Rupandehi, November 29:

Normal life in Rupandehi district was crippled today due to a general strike called by the Maoist-aligned Young Communist League demanding release of a Maoist cadre arrested by the police for involvement in the abduction of Ishwordatta Pandey, a businessman, from Bhairahawa on Sunday.

Traffic on Butwal-Siddharthanagar section of the Siddhartha Highway and east-west Mahendra Highway was affected by the general strike.

Most of the educational institutions remained closed, while business activities were also

affected. However, transport movement on the highway resumed in the evening today.

Police said whereabouts of Pandey remain still unknown.

A gang had abducted him from Bhairahawa on Sunday. Police have arrested one Maoist

cadre for his involvement in the abduction.

Chief of the District Police Office Rabiraj Shrestha said the arrested cadre will be released only if he is found innocent in the abduction case after investigation.

Meanwhile, businessmen affiliated to the Siddharthanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industries also held demonstration demanding Pandey’s safe release.