Pokhara, June 8:

Gandak region remained shut today at the call of the Pro-Maoist Tamu Liberation Front (TLF). Seven districts — Kaski, Lamjung, Tanahun, Syangja, Manang, Gorkha and Parbat — fall under the region.

TLF central chairman Amar Tamu said no vehicles plied in any of the seven districts, while some that dared to defy the bandh were stopped by bandh supporters and their keys seized. Academic institutions, business centres and industries also remained shut.

In Kaski, vehicles had stopped plying since last evening, said Kaski chairman of the TLF, Jit Bahadur Tamu. The bandh also affected life in Dhaulagiri, Baglung and Myagdi districts. No vehicles left for Baglung or Myagdi from Pokhara. Four tourist vehicles that started from Pokhara were stranded at Lekhnath’s Bhandardhik in Kaski district.

“The bandh was called to press for our demands,” Amar Tamu said. The TLF has been demanding a Tamuwan Autonomous System, declaration of the Gandak Region as Gurung Autonomous Region and a national holiday on the day of Tamu Losar festival.