Pokhara, March 20:

The nationwide indefinite general strike called by industrialists and businessmen, to protest against the Maoist atrocities against them, partially affected life throughout the country.

The protesters called an end to Maoists’ act of abductions, intimidation and extortion and sought effective measures from the government to provide them with security.

In Pokhara, most of the shops in the main bazaars remained shut.

The public vehicles were seen plying and the long route vehicles to and from Pokhara plied as usual.

In Bara, chairman of Bara CCI Shiva Nath Sharma, issuing a statement, expressed solidarity to the nationwide bandh called by Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI).

The statement also condemned the incident of bombing of a house belonging to Bijay Kumar Sarawagi, the chairman of Birgunj CCI, at Birgunj-16 on March 17.

The Birgunj CCI has decided to close Birgunj bazaar tomorrow morning till 1 pm in the afternoon to protest of attacks in the industrial sector.

A meeting of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industries held today decided to close the bazaar for just half-a-day because transportation and business activities in Birgunj, which were halted due to Madhesi agitation, has just resumed.

In Rupandehi, the shops and factories in urban region were shut while academic institutions remained open as usual.

The Butwal CCI has decided to support the bandh called by FNCCI, chairman of Butwal CCI, Nawaraj Shrestha, said.

A report from Dhading said, businessmen in Dhading called for an indefinite bandh from today.

In Siraha, businessmen here shut their businesses and industries today. But, Lahan CCI said it had not received any information regarding the indefinite strike.

The Rastriya Banijya Bank Siraha branch closed its financial transactions today, expressing solidarity to the strike In Kavre, factories and shops in Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti were closed. The private banks, hotels and some academic institutions also were closed. The chairperson of Kavre CCI, Laxmi Lal Rajbhandari, said all concerned sectors have been urged to close industries, academic institutions, banks and shops for an indefinite period. However, over 450 industries at Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor remained opened as usual today.

Although a meeting of businessmen, held in Biratnagar today, had decided to support the strike from 4 pm today, shops and business institutions remained open.

Nine business organisations in Biratnagar, issuing a joint statement after a meeting, urged the government and eight parties to take serious measures to solve the problems faced by private sector.

All 17 private banks and four financial institutions in Biratnagar have decided to support the strike.

Panchthar CCI has also decided to support the strike called by FNCCI until both Maoists and the government express commitment to ensure security to business houses and industries. However, the vehicles plied as usual.

The main bazaars of Tanahun including Damauli, Dumre, Aanbukhaireni, Khairenitar, Dulegaunda, Bandipur, Tharpu and Turture remained closed throughout the day.

The Gorkha CCI closed Gorkha bazaar since early morning today. Long route vehicles were halted.

In Udaypur, both long and short route vehicles remained off the road in the district headquarters Gaighat, as well as other bazaars, while factories and academic institutions remained closed.