The second phase of nationwide agitation waged by the Unified CPN (Maoist) against the President's 'unconstitutional' move on the army chief row ended Friday with tens of thousands of Maoists blocking the government secretariat, Singha Durbar, for a second straight day.

Unified CPN (Maoist) supporters organising a rally at the end of the two-day long picketing of the government's seat, Singha Durbar, Friday, Nov 13 09. nepalnews.com/rh

The central administration was beyond reach for most part of the day due to the Maoist blockade. Works inside Singha Durbar came to a halt as Maoists prevented ministers and government employees from entering it.

Large numbers of heavily armed security personnel cordoned off Singha Durbar from early today morning to bar protesters from entering the prohibited zone.

Dozens of Maoist cadres including some central leaders were injured in clashes with the police yesterday but today's protests were mostly peaceful.

The party organised a mass meeting at the end of the gherao programme, followed by protest rallies, marking the end of the second phase protests.

Vehicular movement at Singha Durbar, Putalisadak, Babar Mahal, Thapathali, Naya Baneshwore including other places in the capital was badly affected due to the Maoist protests.

The party has already warned that it will announce a general strike by starting their third round of stir if consensus is not reached even after the end of the second round of protests.

Earlier today, thousands of Maoist activists had reached Singha Durbar area to picket the government secretariat, and virtually blocked the entrance to the place.

Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal led the protests at Bhadrakali and was accompanied by senior Vice-Chairman Mohan Baidya 'Kiran', General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' while Vice-Chair Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Secretary Post Bahadur Bogati led the rally at Maitighar Mandala.

Similarly, Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shretha and Secretary C.P Gajurel led the protests at Padmodaya School, Amik Serchan and Barsa Man Pun in front of the Department of Roads, Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Lilamani Pokharel in front of the District Administration Office, Dev Gurung and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi at Anamnagar and Dinanath Sharma at the eastern gate of Singha Durbar. nepalnews.com