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Monday, March 13, 2006

KATHMANDU FACES MAOISTS BLOCKADE

The blockade, to begin on Tuesday, will affect towns across Nepal, Maoists say. They aim to stop supplies reaching the city mainly through fear of reprisals.
Authorities say rebel tactics will fail and have urged people not to panic.
More than 13,000 people have died in Nepal since the rebels began fighting for a communist republic 10 years ago.
In February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the multi-party government and seized direct control of the government.
Intimidation
The authorities say sufficient arrangements have been made to ensure security and a normal supply of goods.
Home Minister Kamal Thapa urged people to defy the rebels.

King Gyanendra seized direct powers in February 2004
A similar blockade two years ago did not seriously disrupt normal life in Kathmandu, with security escorts for supply vehicles.
Although there was no major shortage of essential items, market prices shot up.
The rebels normally block the supply of goods to and from cities and towns through intimidation and fear of reprisal.
They are not physically present on roads to enforce the blockade, but are known to place road barriers in some places.
Mainstream political parties, who last year reached an understanding with the rebels to intensify pressure on the king, have urged the rebels to withdraw the planned blockade.
Human rights groups and civil society leaders have also made a similar appeal. They said the blockade would affect ordinary people more than the government.
The rebels have not responded yet.

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