Maoist strike shuts down Nepal; gov't urges talks

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Source: AP

KATMANDU, Nepal — Maoist opposition supporters armed with bamboo sticks enforced a general strike that closed transportation, schools and markets across Nepal on Sunday to demand the prime minister's resignation.

Thousands of supporters of the former communist rebels marched in the streets of the capital, Katmandu, waving sticks and the political party's red flag. They gathered at main intersections, chanting anti-government slogans and sometimes singing and dancing.

Few vehicles were on the streets, and people were forced to walk to their destinations. There were scattered reports of vandalism against vehicles and shops that defied the strike, but no injuries were reported.

On Saturday, the Maoist staged a huge rally in Katmandu, but Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal refused their demands he resign and be replaced by a Maoist-led government. He said the Himalayan country's political crisis should be resolved through dialogue.

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