The CPN (Maoist) on Tuesday called a Kathmandu Valley bandh (general strike), to protest the government decision of appointing ambassadors in different countries including India, China and US. The strike crippled life across the valley.
Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara viewed the unilateral action of naming the ambassadors and formation of NHRC (Human Rights Comission of Nepal) by the government could seriously influence the current peace course.
While talking to media personals Mahara said, "Our party decided to announce 6 hour bandh (from 10 am to 4 pm) today in the valley and from 10 in the morning to noon outside the valley protesting the Government decision." He added, “The decisions including nomination of the ambassadors were a violation of the government-Maoist agreements reached in the past.”
Although it was a complete bandha, Kathmandu residents could be seen heading to their destinations on foot, but at the same time the Maoist cadres could be seen enforcing their strike on vehicles. The observers felt irony of the Maoists call.
The Maoist cadres burnt tires at various parts of the valley interrupting the traffic flow. Ramesh Dhungel of Kavre was seriously injured in the capital today after the Maoists beat him. Amotorcycle was torched and a private car vandalized during today's protests. The agitators misbehaved taxi drivers in addition to letting off air from the bicycle tires.
Similarly, today's strike affected life outside the capital as well. Maoist cadres halted traffic at Dhading's Gajuri and Naubise stretch while Dolakha's Charikot market remained shut today. Likewise, the strike also affected traffic on the different highways across the country. The Maoists also padlocked the District Development Committee office in Rasuwa.
Serious violation of agreements: Prachanda
Maoist Chairman Prachanda told state-owned Rastriya Samachar Samiti on Monday night, "We are involving in the government soon and have requested the incumbent government not to take any remarkable political and so other decisions alone. However, the government made such decision bypassing us. So, it is a serious violation of the agreement and accord between the party and the government”.
He made it clear that the political decisions have been carried on with the joint agreement of the government and the Maoist following the Eight Point Understanding. "However, the government made a unilateral decision this time."
PLA fighters protest Gov. decision
Meanwhile, Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) fighters came out of the PLA First Division camp at Chulachuli in Ilam district to protest the government decision to appoint ambassadors.
Commander of the PLA First Division Shantu Darai "Parwana" said some 800 PLA fighters with their weapons left the cantonment site for an hour this afternoon to protest the government decision.
Apex court upholds Citizenship Act
The Supreme Court (SC), on Monday, upheld the Citizenship Act 2006. The single bench of Judge Tahir Ali Ansari revoked a writ petition that had been filed at the apex court challenging the act.
The apex court has said that the Citizenship Act had been introduced in accordance with the House of Representatives Declaration and as per the Doctrine of Necessity.
Advocate Amita Shrestha had filed the writ petition asking the court to withdraw the Citizenship Act claiming that non-Nepalese could become citizens because of the new act.
Socialist International chief Ayala supports Nepal peace process
Talking to media persons at the Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival in Kathmandu Monday afternoon, Secretary General of the Socialist International (SI), Luis Ayala expressed hope for lasting peace in Nepal with the common effort of the eight parties. He has said he fully supports the ongoing peace process in Nepal.
