However, since they have allowed dozens of other similar contests to be held, they are seen to be actually targetting the Indian company that is the main sponsor of Miss Nepal - Dabur Nepal, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Dabur India.

After the fall of the Maoist government this year, the Hidden Treasure, the event management company franchised to hold the contest, decided to go ahead with a low-key show.

It is now being positioned as the Fem Miss Nepal contest since very few people in Nepal are aware that Dabur has bought out Fem.

Also, instead of being held in the august Birendra International Convention Centre, its past venue, the contest will be held Thursday at the army club in Kathmandu amid tight security.

The winner will take part in the Miss World contest to be held in Johannesburg in December.