KAPILVASTU: Normal life has been crippled due to the general shutdown imposed by the Madhesh-based parties demanding a separate Tharuhat-Madhesh Pradesh for the past 20 days.

Educational institutions, industries, factories, transportation and the market areas have remained closed in the district headquarters Taulihawa, Chanauta, Krishnanagar and Pakadi among other areas.

Taulihawa is reeling under the scarcity of essential commodities including petroleum products and daily consumable items.

The District Administration Office has issued a prohibitory order in its neighbourhood. Demonstrations have been prohibited in the area within 250 metre radius from the DAO.

The local administration has beefed up security to prevent potential violent activities.

Police personnel are mobilised to provide security to the government facilities and offices of political parties.

So far the protesters have been staging demonstrations outside the prohibited area.