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Maoists prevent UML cadres from entering Banepa

To ward off the rally scheduled by the CPN (UML) for Tuesday against attack on its cadres and party office, the Unified CPN (Maoist) has barred any vehicles from entering Banepa.

UML had invited its party members from the neighbouring villages and areas to participate in the rally planned for 12 noon today. However, Maoists have deployed large number of its members around the town, preventing vehicles entering Banepa from 10 a.m.

On Monday, Maoist cadres had attacked and vandalised the UML party office in Banepa, in retaliation of UML resistance to the Maoist-called bandh on Sunday.

Large number of security personnel have been deployed and kept in alert for possible clashes between the two parties.

Similarly, the Maoist-affiliated Kirat Mukti Morcha has called general strike in six eastern districts – Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Udaypur, Khotang, Solukhumbu and Okhaldhunga – protesting the president’s move to reinstate Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal. Early reports say at least two motorbikes were vandalised in Gaighat this morning for defying the strike.

Maoists have also called for one-hour strike nationwide today as part of their protest programmes.

While leading the coalition government earlier, Maoists had tabled the proposal to end all kinds of strikes until the country gets a new constitution. However, the proposal was rejected by other parties. nepalnews.com ia June 10 09