Himalayan News Service

Janakpurdham, July 4:

The Maoists today blocked the Mahendra highway at several places in Mahotari and Sarlahi districts, leaving many passengers stranded, security officials said. The Maoists have created barricades at Banke Bridge, Tuteshwornath, Maraha and Laxminiya Chwok of Mahotari district while they have also blocked the road at a dozen places between Kamaiya and Nawalpur Chowk of Sarlahi district. The road to Malangwa from Nawalpur has also been disrupted, security officials said. Although security personnel have been mobilised to clear the highway since early morning, no vehicle has plied on the road so far. Vehicles coming from the eastern region have been stuck at Dhalkebar of Dhanusha district while many vehicles have been stuck at Chandranigahpur of Rautahat. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said they have heard the sound of bullets. They said the security forces clearing the highway clashed with the Maoists, as the forces were marching ahead to clear the road. However, details are yet to come.

The sound of firing was heard throughout the day and all the nearby shops have been closed.

The road wears a deserted look as vehicles — even bicycles — remained off the roads. People were seen peeping out through their windows to see what has happened on the highway. The forces are actively working to remove the barricades on the highway, said Public Relations Directorate of the Royal Nepal Army. Meanwhile, air transport has been suspended due to monsoon in Taplejung district, adding to the woes of the people here who had already been facing much difficulty because of road block by the Maoists. Bus operators who have now halted transportation to and fro the district headquarters say the Maoists ask for hefty sum as donations from them for running services.