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| Sunday, 20 March 2005 |
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Kathmandu security strengthened KATHMANDU, March 18 (AFP) - Nepalese troops Friday began escorting vehicles moving in and out of the Kathmandu valley as a largely-ignored road blockade called by Maoist rebels entered its fifth day, a security source said. "Security personnel have begun escorting vehicles entering and leaving the Kathmandu valley through the Nagdhunga checkpost since Friday morning," said the source. "Things are normal on the highways without any reports of incidents or roadblocks. There has been very little effect of the blockade," he said, adding however, "We felt it was our duty to escort the vehicles as no one can be trusted these days." A similar blockade last month, which was enforced by the rebels more through threats than physical action, saw traffic slow to a trickle nationwide and prices of fresh produce in the Kathmandu valley soar. Maoist leader Prachanda called Sunday for "general strikes, a transport blockade and blockade at local and regional level between March 14 and April 1" to protest at King Gyanendra's seizure of power. The king dismissed a four-party coalition government on February 1 and seized control of Nepal, imposing emergency rule and vowing to tackle an increasingly bloody Maoist revolt that has claimed 11,000 lives since 1996. |
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