Opposition strike in Nepal affects normal life

A strike called by the 33-party alliance, led by Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M), demanding that the constituent assembly polls Nov 19 be cancelled, Thursday crippled normal life in the Nepali capital.

The strike hit Kathmandu and the eastern region of the Himalayan nation, Xinhua reported citing police.

The strike was called to register protest against the government and the ongoing preparations by other parties for the coming elections.

The opposition alliance is seeking to exert pressure on the government to cancel the election date contending that merely holding the constituent assembly elections will not guarantee a constitution. Its demands include holding an all-party round-table conference and changing the interim government.

Public and private vehicles stayed off roads due to the strike, while shops, academic institutions, industries and a large number of offices remained shut.

Ambulances and vehicles belonging to the Red Cross, press, diplomatic missions, and tourist services were, however, allowed to ply.

Issuing a public statement, the 33-party alliance said only a roundtable conference will work to end the current political deadlock that the country is facing.

"We urge the public to actively support the strike to ensure the roundtable conference," the alliance said in a statement.