Maoists strike shuts Nepal

Maoists on Sunday forced a daylong strike across the country in protest against police action in Dundejhari in Kalali two days ago in which at least six people including two policemen and four illegal settlers were killed in a clash.

Home Minister Bhim Rawal rejected the Maoist claim that he was responsible for the clash,saying,It was planned and provoked by the Maoists. They had lured landless people,collecting Rs 20 from each family,and instructed around 15,000 families to encroach jungle area,Rawal said as Maoist supporters took out protest rallies,demanding relief for victims and his resignation.

The minister said the Maoists had instigated the illegal settlers. The settlers were given a crash course by the Maoists about the way to attack the security forces, he said. The police showed enough patience and had given enough warning and time to the illegal settlers to vacate. But the settlers attacked first,provoking the retaliation which was just and legal.

Maoist Central Committee leader Netra Bikram Chanda Biplab,however,said the government action was unjustified. At least two dozen vehicles were either damaged or burnt for violating the strike,the police said.