Kathmandu: For a second day in running,
Nepal continued to be paralysed as the Maoists enforced
shutdown in Kathmandu and other major towns as part of its
three-day anti-government protests.
Buses and cars remained off the roads, main shopping
complexes and market areas had shutters down and schools and
colleges were closed as agitating Maoist workers marched in
various parts of the capital shouting anti-government slogans.
Most of the factories and business establishments were
closed. However, some business establishments, banks and
government offices remained open. Few shops in the interior
part of the cities were opened today as compared to yesterday,
when there was a complete shut down.
The tourists suffered most from the band, as they
travelled to the Tribhuvan International Airport carrying
heavy baggage either on rickshaws or by themselves.
Four shuttle services for tourists were made available
at the initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board to facilitate
transportation of tourists between the hotels and the airport
which was insufficient.
All seven casinos operating in the five star hotel
complex of Kathmandu remained closed causing millions of
rupees worth losses, according to casino management.
The situation remained calm and quite in the capital.
"It is total exhausting to observe the shut down for
two straight days," said a pedestrian.
The Maoists have made mockery of civilian supremacy by
calling shut down programme, which is adding owe to the people
already suffering from various problems, said a lawyer.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Dillip Chaudhary, who
was seriously injured during the clash with the Maoists at
Nayabaneshwor on way to the Tribhuvan International Airport,
is recovering at Neurological Hospital in Bansbari.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal visited the hospital
to enquire about his condition.
At least 24 people were injured yesterday when Maoists
clashed with security forces. The police rounded up some 10
Maoists cadres who were forcing the people to close down
shops.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 21, 2009, 13:16