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Maoist shutdown paralyses Nepal
With talks between three major parties failing to end the ongoing political deadlock, Maoists in Nepal started their three-day general strike across the country on Sunday, reports Utpal Parashar.
With talks between three major parties failing to end the ongoing political deadlock, Maoists in Nepal started their three-day general strike across the country on Sunday.
Offices, schools and colleges and business establishments across Nepal remained closed and all forms of public transport remained off roads as Maoist cadres blocked highways. *(Sunday is a working day in Nepal)*
The shutdown is the final part of the third phase of agitation by Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) seeking restoration of ‘civilian supremacy’ and an apology from President Ram Baran Yadav.
Streets remained deserted as thousands of UCPN (M) workers blocked roads in the national capital and all other important towns. In several areas, security personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Although UCPN (M) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had stated that the strike would be peaceful, some incidents of vandalism by Maoists were reported from the capital.
*Nearly a dozen vehicles including one belonging to Minister of State for Tourism Shatrughan Mahato and motorcycles belonging to media persons were attacked by those enforcing the strike and at least 30 UCPN (M) workers were arrested by the police. *
*Mahato who was going to the airport to receive Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal returning from Copehhagen escaped unhurt, but his vehicle was slightly damaged due to stone pelting by Maoists.*
On Saturday Prachanda had blamed the government of lack of seriousness in dealing with the impasse and playing into the hands of foreign players.
Despite the government request to allow essential services including movement of vehicles carrying petroleum products, four trucks carrying petrol from India were forced to turn back at the border town of Dhulikhel.
“We were compelled to go ahead with the strike as the government is not serious on restoring civilian supremacy and listening to the demands of the masses,” said UCPN (M) spokesperson Dinanath Sharma.
Maoists in Nepal have been agitating since May after the UCPN (M)-led government stepped down following a decision by President Yadav to overrule its move to sack the army chief.
Absence of the former rebels who belong to the largest party in parliament is affecting legislative work and also drafting of the country’s new constitution, which is to get over by May next year.
