World | Other World Stories
Nepal capital comes to a halt over alleged Maoist killings
Shops were shuttered, cars stayed off the streets, schools were closed and demonstrators burnt tyres in Nepal's capital on Thursday in a protest against the murder of two men blamed on Nepal's ruling Maoists.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:54 November 20, 2008
Kathmandu: Shops were shuttered, cars stayed off the streets, schools were closed and demonstrators burnt tyres in Nepal's capital on Thursday in a protest against the murder of two men blamed on Nepal's ruling Maoists.
The Maoists, who fought a civil war from 1996 to 2006, are now heading a coalition government after emerging as the largest party April's election.
Media reports this week said police had dug up the decomposing bodies of two young men who were allegedly taken by members of the Maoist Young Communist League (YCL) last month from a district adjoining Kathmandu.
The Maoist Young Communist League has been accused of violence and intimidation in the past but denied involvement in this incident and said the charges were baseless.
"The incident must be probed and the guilty ones be punished," YCL chief Ganesh Man Pun told Reuters.
Victims' families and friends called for the closure of transport, businesses, schools and colleges to protest against the killings and demand compensation.
"Everything has come to a halt and the streets are empty," police officer Pawan Khadka said.
More from Other World Stories
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
