Local businessmen in the eastern district of Terhathum shut down Myaglung Bazaar to protest what they call growing extortion drive of the Maoists in the area.

According to radio reports, the businessmen shut down the local town after the Maoist cadres demanded 10 at least percent of their daily income as tax to their people’s government.

The businessmen also organised rally, chanted slogans and blocked vehicular movement to protest the Maoists’ extortion drive.

Reports said the Maoists have been collecting levy from the businessmen for some time. The rebels have kept records of the daily income of the businessmen and have been charging ‘tax’ according to the records.

The Terhathum Chamber of Commerce coordinated today’s strike. The local town remained tense for some time due to the protest.