KATHMANDU: The nationwide bandh called by Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) today has a slight impact on Kathmandu Valley. However, impact of the bandh is relatively more outside the Valley.

According to police, lesser public vehicles are plying than usual and educational institutions have remained closed in Kathmandu due to the shutdown.

Nepal Police spokesperson, Bishwaraj Pokharel was quoted in Rastriya Samachar Samiti as saying, incidents of arson attacks on motor vehicles have been reported from various districts and five people have been taken under control. Explosive devices have been found planted to terrorise the people.

Incidents of vehicles being torched have been reported in Ramechhap, Hetauda, Surkhet, Bara, and Nawalpur. Likewise, explosive devices were planted in various places including Makawanpur, Kaski, Tanahun, Rautahat, Baitadi, and Kailali.

Security has been tightened throughout the country to avoid any untoward incidents during the bandh. Escorting services have been made available in major highways. Traffic has been affected in routes leading into and going out of the Valley.

Effects of the bandh have been felt around the country after multiple blasts in assorted locations of the capital city claimed four lives, on the eve of the shutdown.