Over half a dozen injured in Pokhara; Bandh affects normal life

Over half a dozen persons were injured in a clash between local businessmen and truck entrepreneurs at Bhimsenchowk of western Pokhara.

The clash occurred after truck entrepreneurs and workers took out a rally defying the general strike called by Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

The participants of the rally chanted slogans against businessmen and attacked them with iron rods. The injured include businessmen Basu Parajuli, Shivaji Koirala, among others.

Three truck workers were also injured during the clash.

Meanwhile, normal life has been partially affected ahead of the Tihar festival, an important festival of Hindus, throughout the nation due to the general strike called by the FNCCI.

Most of the industries and business enterprises throughout the country remained closed on Tuesday due to the general strike called by the FNCCI.

The main trading hub of the capital and other parts of the country remain closed.

Reports from different districts said life in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Birgunj, Bara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, Mahendranagar, Dharan, Siraha, Janakpur, Kailali, Jhapa, Dhankuta, among other places, has been crippled.

The vehicular movement also came to standstill in the eastern part of the country due to the general strike.

However public vehicles could be seen in large number in the streets of capital than in the previous bandhs.

The entrepreneurs continued their strike despite the request from Prime Minister and order of the Patan Appellate Court to call off the strike.

Entrepreneurs organize rallies in different parts of the capital to reinforce the closure. Businessmen and industrialists staged a rally and corner meeting at Basantapur this morning urging people to make the strike a success.

FNCCI president Chandi Raj Dhakal said that they were compelled to go ahead with shutdown plan since the government did not provide 'written commitment' to fulfill their demands.

A meeting of National Agitation Committee formed by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) decided to organize a general strike in order to press to fulfill their five-point demand that include providing peace and security; ending extortion, resolving labor and trade union disputes and expanding the dates for restructuring loans.

This is the first general strike called following the success of people's movement. nepalnews.com pb Oct 17 06