Kathmandu, August 31:

Protesting against the decision of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Valley Traffic Police (VTF) to ban the pay parking of vehicles in Khichapokhari, Sukrapath, Dharmapath, and the Bishal Bazaar area, owners of shops and business houses in the Khichapokhari and New Road area closed their shops today.

A 151- member struggle committee has been formed under the coordination of Ram Krishna Maharjan to hold talks with the KMC and the VTF on the issue. Ram Raj Suwal, a member of the struggle committee, said the decision to ban parking in these areas will affect business and force the closure of shops. Though the shops around New Road opened late in the afternoon, most of the shops in Khichapokhai remained closed throughout the day.