KATHMANDU: Normal life in the Kathmandu Valley has been affected due to nationwide bandh called by the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist since early this morning.

The bandh was called against the constitution drafting process and Lipulek agreement.

CPN Maoist cadres took to the streets with demonstrations early to make the strike successful. As a result, security personnel have been mobilised in major thoroughfares of the Capital.

Police detained 52 persons including the party’s leader Tilak Pariyar and Chairperson of ANNFSU revolutionary Sharad Rasaili from various parts of the Valley, according to SP Biswaraj Pokharel. Some of those arrested had carried petrol with them, he said.

The bandh enforcers also vandalised a passenger bus in Maharajgunj and a milk-van in Gongobu, police said.

Vehicles remain off the road while markets, shops and restaurants as well as educational institutions are forced to pull down their shutters.

It has been learnt that life in Hetauda and Banepa was also affected due to the general strike.

Police in Hetauda arrested 10 persons forcing people to shut the bazaar and resorting to vandalism, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sishu Sharma informed.

In Banepa, seven people were arrested on Thursday evening as they were organising a torch procession on the eve of the bandh, according DSP Raj Kumar KC.