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Maoist-Led Strike Across Nepal

   Former  Maoist  rebels  attacked  vehicles,  forced shops to close and
   blocked highways Sunday in Nepal to enforce a general strike called to
   protest the president.

   VOA News 20 December 2009
   Nepal's Maoist supporters shout slogans against the government as they
   march during their three-day strike in Katmandu, Nepal, 20 Dec. 2009

Photo: AP

   Nepal's Maoist supporters shout slogans against the government as they
   march during their three-day strike in Katmandu, Nepal, 20 Dec. 2009

   Maoists  in Nepal began a three-day strike Sunday, forcing the closure
   of shops and businesses, and blocking roads and highways.
   The  former  rebels are protesting what they call the unconstitutional
   actions of Nepal's president in overturning their decision to fire the
   head of the army.
   The  protest  has  been  largely  peaceful,  although  police say some
   vehicles have been vandalized, and some protesters have been arrested.
   Tensions  have  been  high  in  Nepal  since  a  Maoist-led government
   resigned  in  May  amid  a  dispute  with  President  Ram  Baran Yadav
   concerning  the army chief.  The former rebels have since led a series
   of protests.
   Maoists  ended  a  decade-long  civil  war  in  2006  to  join a peace
   process.  They won a majority of seats in parliament in elections last
   year.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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