KATHMANDU:  The first day of the three-day ‘nationwide chakkajam’ (ban on vehicle movement) called by the Maoists on Tuesday has halted transportation services and left the country crippled, according to countrywide reports.

Educational intuitions in Kathmandu are open but very few students have managed to attend due to the lack of available transportation.

Only the state run trolleys and Sajha buses were providing services in the capital with security personnel deployed on them. A few private minibuses and some safa tempos could were also on the streets. Private operators were seen on the roads, but most have chosen to stay away.

Shops, businesses and offices have remained open.

The presence of security personnel could be readily felt as both the Armed Police and the military were patrolling the streets. According to the radio reports received by 11 a.m. there have been no incidents.