Nepal: Strike Called by Maoists Disrupts Life

Life across the country was affected by a general strike called by the CPN Maoist on Thursday. Commuters were hit hard by the strike as public transportation came to a standstill in most parts of the country. Maoist activists hurled petrol bombs, vandalized and torched vehicles early in the morning causing panic among people. As a result, fewer vehicles were seen plying on the streets. Public vehicles too remained off the roads. Educational institutions, markets and businesses also remained closed. The effects of the strike were also visible in Kathmandu valley. Public transport stayed away from roads. Maoist supporters set a cab on fire in Tinkune and vandalized a bus at Tripureshwar and a microbus in Manamaiju to bring the traffic in the valley to a halt. As the public transportation was not available, commuters had to face a tough time as four wheelers too remained out of streets fearing vandalism and arson. People riding two wheelers could be seen on the road.