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Violence spreads on second day of Nepal shutdown
The second day of the three-day general strike called by Nepal’s opposition Maoist party witnessed torching of vehicles and widespread demonstrations across the country.
The second day of the three-day general strike called by Nepal’s opposition Maoist party witnessed torching of vehicles and widespread demonstrations across the country.
While the situation was comparatively under control in the capital, Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) supporters burnt two motorcycles in Biratnagar and a truck at Jhapa in south-eastern Nepal.
Like Sunday, Maoists came out to the streets of Kathmandu in the wee hours and started blocking roads by putting up temporary barricades and burning tyres at several places.
Streets and market places wore deserted looks and all educational and business establishments remained closed for the second consecutive day. Government employees took to foot to reach their offices.
Heavy deployment of security personnel was seen at places like Putalisadak, New Baneshwor, Gaushala and Chabahil where clashes between Maoists and security forces were witnessed on Sunday.
At least 10 demonstrators were arrested early in the morning. According to reports, the condition of Diip Chaudhari, a police officer who was severely beaten up by Maoists on the first day of the strike, is improving.
Despite Maoist leaders claiming that the strike would be peaceful they have not been able to prevent violence by their cadres who even targeted media persons with stones and damaged their vehicles on Sunday.
The UN too has expressed concern about violence on the first day of the strike especially the clash between protestors and police at New Baneshwor while trying to clear the road for the prime minister’s motorcade.
In a statement, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Nepal observed that the police used excessive force including inappropriate use of batons, tear-gas and stones to dispel demonstrators.
“I recognize the right of the police to keep clear the public highways and the right of demonstrators to protest peacefully, however I call on all groups to exercise restraint, to avoid provocation and to reduce tension through dialogue,” said Richard Bennett, representative of OHCHR-Nepal.
“Today’s (Sunday’s) display of violence was some of the worst on the streets of Kathmandu for several years. It must not be repeated and those responsible should be held to account,” he added.
In a statement, United National People’s Movement, a wing of UCPN (M), accused the police of using excessive force on the peaceful Maoist strike and trampling the right of citizens to protest.
Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal, however, maintained that the security forces exercised maximum restraint during the bandh and resorted the baton-charge and use of tear gas only when the demonstrators turned violent.
