Pokhara, March 18:

Few vehicles plied in Pokhara sub metropolis and Lekhnath municipality today due to an indefinite blockade called by nthe Maoists.

Around a dozen vehicles bound for Pokhara and two-dozen vehicles bound for different destinations from Pokhara left today with the security forces escorting them, said Talchowk-based Security Base Camp of Royal Nepalese Army in the Lekhnath municipality.

Maoists had placed obstructions at Gachhepani of Tanahun yesterday night but security forces cleared the obstructions, said Belchoutara-based security sources. There are over 200 microbuses in Pokhara but not a single plied today.

Microbus service has been completely stopped from March 15 after Maoists took some microbuses under their control. Very few taxies are plying in Pokhara during the blockade, said Taxi Entrepreneur, Kaski, adding many of the taxis are off the road due to lack of petrol.

The government failed to compensate for the vehicles damaged for operating during strikers earlier, so the buses did not run, said Pokhara Bus Entrepreneur Committee.

According to the District Education Office, students are facing difficulties to reach their school on time to attend the district level examinations due to lack of transportation service. A report from Janakpur said vehicles plying in short routes here have halted from today due to Maoist threats.

The Janakpur-Bhithamod and Janakpur-Jatahi bus service was halted today due to Maoists’ warning, Janakpur Zonal Bus Entrepreneurs’ Association said.

The passengers were compelled to hire rickshaws for as much as Rs 200 to reach their destinations. Meanwhile, number of passengers using air service to go to the capital is increasing due to transportation halt resulting in shortage of airplane tickets.

Construction works undergoing in the area has been affected by the Maoists’ blockade which has resulted in shortage of construction materials.