Nepal police arrests 162 people during nationwide strike

In Nepal, police have arrested 162 activists of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-Maoist) during a nationwide strike called by the party demanding release of its cadres arrested during previous protests.

Vehicular movement came to a standstill, while educational institutions, private offices and markets were closed in different parts of Nepal yesterday.

The bandh affected normal life in Kathmandu as shops remained closed, streets wore a deserted look and people stayed indoors fearing attacks by the protesters.

text-align: justify;">Police said protesters were arrested while trying to block roads, vandalise vehicles and injuring two in a petrol bomb attack during the bandh across the Himalayan nation.

Police said two men, including a truck driver, suffered injuries when demonstrators threw a petrol bomb at the vehicle in the southern district of Rautahat.

The truck was one of around a dozen vehicles attacked by protesters while trying to enforce the shut down in factories, schools and public transport across the country.