Maoist strike call falls on deaf ears in Kathmandu

A MAOIST rebel call for a nationwide strike yesterday went largely unheeded in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, overshadowed by this week’s political crisis unleashed when the king sacked the government and claimed tight control over this Himalayan nation.

Rebel demands for a general strike usually bring the country to a virtual halt, with residents staying home out of fear of reprisals by angered guerrillas. However, cars filled the streets of Kathmandu yesterday and most shops were open.

With phone services cut across the country and only limited news reporting allowed since King Gyanendra declared emergency rule earlier this week, the rebel demands may have gone largely unheard.