Dhulikhel, December 18:

Accusing the police of doing little to check the increasing incidents of theft in Banepa, local businessmen downed shutters in Banepa bazaar for six hours today.

Banepa bazaar shopkeepers blamed the administration of remaining mute spectators to the rising incidents of theft. Traffic on the Araniko Highway and BP Highway was hit due to the bandh.

The shops reopened after a meeting was held between Kavre Chambers of Commerce and Industries, businessmen and seven political party representatives. The meeting decided to form a committee comprising representatives of the administration, political parties, Kavre Industry Organisation, municipality and the civil society on Sunday, according to Area Police Office Banepa in-charge Ranjit Singh Rathour.

It was decided to form a security committee and appoint guards for night security, in addition to regular police patrolling.