Pokhara, February 7:

The main market centres in Pokhara opened today, the third day of week-long bandh called by the Maoists.

The security forces forced open the shops at Mahendrapul, Chipledhunga and Prithvi Chowk area. However, the Lakeside area remained closed.

Chief district Officer of Kaski, Madhav Raj Regmi, SP of District Police Office, Kaski, Rabi Raj Shrestha and other high-ranking officials had reached the markets to pressure the shop owners to open the shops.

Chairman of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries Rajendra Kumar Lalchan had urged the security officials not to use force or break open the locks of the closed shops.

Only some microbuses plied on the road.

In Syangja, the Syangja bazaar remained closed and peaceful.

A report from Ilam said the patients were deprived from treatment due to the bandh and obstructions placed by the road today.

Three ambulances carrying patients from Ilam to Dharan had to return to Ilam due to the road obstructions placed by Maoists at Kiteni of Mechi Highway.

All three ambulances, two from Ilam and one from Fikkal had to return from Kiteni, driver San Maan Tamang said. He said Maoists have obstructed Kanyam and Godak area of the highway as well.

One ambulance heading towards Jhapa from Paanchthar had to return from Puwakhola due to the road obstruction placed by Maoists at Ilam-Puwakhola section of the Highway, local Ratan Dulal said.

The main markets of Ilam remained deserted on the third day of bandh as well. Transport services remained halted.

A report from Dhankuta said normal life remained paralysed today also. Markets, academic institutions and factories remained closed.

A report from Bardiya said normal life remained crippled today. Shortage of petroleum products was seen in Bardiya affecting students staying at the headquarters and farmers.

Media personnel, too, are facing difficulties to send news reports, as all PCOs are closed. Locals are using the Indian route to travel to Gulariya from Nepalgunj. The bandh was without incidents, police said.

A report from Bara said the Kalaiya, Simara, Jeetpur, Nijgadh, Parwanipur and other main markets of Bara remained closed. Transport services remained halted while schools also remained closed.

A report from Tanahun said normal life was affected on the third day of Maoists’ bandh.

Headquarters Damauli, Dumre, Aanbukhaireni, Kharenitar, Dulegaunda and Bhimad bazaars remained closed.

Schools remained closed and transport services were halted.