Nepal Maoists general strike enters second day

KATHMANDU - The second day of general strike called by the Unified CPN (Maoist) as part of its fourth phase agitation against the government has further crippled normal life across the country on Monday.

Large number of Maoist cadres brought from various districts to Kathmandu are staging demonstrations on the streets of Kathmandu by singing, dancing and occasionally chanting slogans against the government.

Although, the major marketplaces are shut, smaller shops in the city interiors were open briefly in the morning. Vegetable markets had only stale vegetables.

Likewise, due to the stringent imposition of the shutdown people were forced to walk to their offices and destinations. So far, the strike has been peaceful with no reports of clashes and unruly activities.

Maoist activists have marked their presence in major thoroughfares of the capital including Kalanki, Koteshwor, Baneshwor, Chabahil.

Meanwhile, Maoist vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that there is no alternative left than to continue with the indefinite strike unless there is guarantee of a pro-people constitution and peace.

Nepalnews quoted him as, saying that the nationwide movement his party is waging would be decisive and topple the current government to replace it with a national unity government.

He also expressed his disgust at efforts to give continuity to the current government by issuing threats of army deployment, but said they will never be successful.

Dr Bhattarai, however, said that the party is open to dialogue to resolve contentious issues and find a way out of the current crisis. (ANI)