Kathmandu, August 17

More people defied the Nepal bandh called by the CPN-Maoist led 33-party alliance and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) today compared to yesterday.

More vehicles plied the streets in Kathmandu Valley and more shops were seen defying the general shutdown call. Most educational institutes, however, remained closed. Long distance public vehicles also did not ply today, affecting a large number of commuters.

According to police 80 bandh enforcers were rounded up from Kathmandu Valley, including 72 from Kathmandu and eight from Lalitpur.

Co-chairman of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Rajendra Shrestha was arrested from New Road along with other protesters and was released in the evening. Police said two persons were arrested for vandalism, arson and intimidating others.

Bandh enforcers torched and vandalised at least five vehicles in the Capital today. The protesters vandalised and set ablaze a parked Bolero jeep at Kalimati area at around 7:45 am, a taxi was burnt in Kalopul area and one bus each were vandalised in Chabahil and Gwarko area.

Home Ministry Spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, issuing a press statement, urged all the people to maintain restraint.