Kathmandu, Feb 17: Maoists set off a powerful bomb in Kathmandu today as a general strike called by the rebels paralysed life in the Nepalese capital and several adjoining districts. The explosion occurred at 9 am at Kalanki Chowk in the west of Kathmandu damaging a bus parked on the road. However, no casualities were reported. Schools, colleges and major markets were closed and vehicles remained off the roads following a strike called by Maoists in Narayani and Bagmati zone to protest the killing of their 18 cadres by security forces in Makawanpur district in central Nepal last week. The strike affected nearly 16 districts, including Kathmandu valley. It is Nepal's third shutdown in two weeks following spiralling violence between rebels and security forces. The strike has especially affected pilgrims from within the country and India, who are here to visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu during Shivaratri festival tomorrow. Hundreds of thousands of devotees have already started pouring in the capital to visit the temple. Some 10,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to visit the temple during Shivratri this year. Bureau Report