NAGDHUNGA, Nov 10: Cadres and leaders of the UCPN (Maoist) blocked the entry-exit points of the Kathmandu Valley for the entire day on Tuesday as part of their second phase of protests demanding "civilian supremacy". [break]
The blockade ended at 5 p.m.
From early in the morning flag-waving Maoists gathered at Nagdhunga, Sanga, Pharping and Balaju bypass to enforce the blockade. Vehicles plying to and fro the capital remained stranded at the entry points all day.
At Nagdhunga, Maoists blocked the entry point from 6 a.m. Tuesday chanting strong slogans demanding the dissolution of the “puppet government” and correction of the presidential move reinstating the then army chief.
Amid heavy security presence, the Maoist protest remained peaceful as they sang and danced most of the time. The Maoists allowed ambulances and tourist vehicles.
“I arrived here at 6 a.m. believing I could sneak through before the picketing started,” said Nawaraj K C, who was waiting to get his truck through. “Unfortunately, it looks like I will have to wait until the evening.”
According to a traffic police official posted at Nagdhunga, about 1,000 passengers buses, trucks and small vehicles enter or leave Kathmandu through this point every day.
The Maoist party has clarified that their "blockade" was not a banda (general shutdown). Schools, colleges, businesses and factories in the Valley operated as usual.
The second phase of protests by the Maoists that resumed last week after a month-long suspension since mid-September for the national festivals, will end on November 13. The Maoists have announced that they will encircle Singha Durbar, the central secretariat, on November 12 and 13.
Meanwhile, issuing a statement UCPN (Maoist) on Tuesday evening said the blockade was peaceful and successful.
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