Kathmandu, December 21: 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