Nepal paralysed by general strike in protests against prime minister

Nepalese demonstrators chant slogans against prime minister Khadga Prassad Oli during general strike in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. A general strike called by a splinter faction of the ruling Communist party paralyzed life in Nepal on Thursday, shutting down schools, transportation and markets. Highways were deserted and shops were closed by the strike protesting Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli’s decision to dissolve Parliament and call new elections. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

A general strike organised by a splinter group in the governing communist party has paralysed life in Nepal, shutting schools, public transport and markets.

Roads were deserted and shops were closed by the strike, called to protest against prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli’s decision to dissolve parliament and announce new elections.