Kathmandu: Nepal's Maoists today
threatened to paralyse the country with an indefinite general
strike as its supremo Prachanda blamed India's "naked
interference" for the lingering political crisis in the
country.
Serving an ultimatum to the embattled 22-party
coalition led by Madhav Kumar Nepal to resolve the political
deadlock by January 24, Prachanda demanded the formation of a
national government, which will include the Maoists.
After paralysing the country for the last three days
with its anti-government shutdown, it threatened to launch an
indefinite general strike next month.
Prachanda lashed out against India for its "naked
interference" in Nepal’s internal affairs, saying he will only
talk to New Delhi and not to the "puppet" government here.
Buses and cars remained off the roads, main shopping
complexes and market areas were shut down and educational
institutes were closed as agitating Maoist workers marched
through the capital shouting anti-government slogans today.
The Maoist chief, addressing a massive rally in the
heart of the capital, demanded the disbandment of the present
coalition government and replacement with a national
government, which would include the Maoists.
"Unless a national government is formed by January 24,
we will be forced to impose an indefinite strike," Prachadna
told his thousands of his supporters.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 23:39