Maoists enforce strike in Nepal, demand release of accused

Normal life in Kathmandu and major cities across Nepal was crippled today after CPN-Maoist, the breakaway faction of ruling UCPN-Maoist enforced a strike demanding the release of five Maoist cadres arrested in connection with the murder of a radio journalist in 2004. The agitating CPN-M were also opposing the attempt made by major parties for the formation of election government led by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi. All schools and colleges were closed, short and long rout public transport services were halted and major markets were closed due to the shut down enforced by the Maoists. Journalist Dekendra Thapa was buried alive after the Maoists severely tortured him in Dailekh district of western Nepal during insurgency period in 2004. The police have arrested last month five Maoist cadres in connection with the murder and they have already confessed their crime. Both the ruling UCPN-Maoist and CPN-Maoist were trying to block the judicial inquiry into the murder and demanding the release of the five Maoist cadres arrested in connection with the murder. Meanwhile, the agitating Maoist cadres have vandalised two vehicles belonging to Kantipur Television and Sagarmatha Television in Kathmandu for defying their strike. They have also pelted stone at a tourist bus and a taxi in Kathmandu for defying their shut down, according to the police. The police have arrested at least seven Maoist cadres in connection with the vandalism. The Tribhuvan University's Office of the Examination Controller has stated that the shut down has not affect the ongoing bachelor third year exams in Kathmandu valley.