The strike called by various ethnic groups has hit the general life in eastern hills and terai districts on Wednesday.

The recently formed United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF) called indefinite general strike beginning from Wednesday in terai districts to put pressure on the government to meet its demands.

Schools, private offices and businesses remain closed while the highways and inner roads are deserted with no vehicles plying since early morning.

The organisers termed this strike as their ‘final battle’ to get their demands met before the constituent assembly election scheduled for April 10.

The eastern hilly districts are also hit by abrupt strike called by Limbuwan National Council Lingden faction from Wednesday.

The agitating ethnic groups are demanding changes in electoral system, their justifiable representation in government services including in the army, one Madhes one province in federal Nepal and peace talks with armed groups in terai, among others.

Continued strike in terai has affected the regular supply of foodstuffs and petroleum products to hilly districts including capital Kathmandu. As a result, the consumer prices have gone up sharply and streets in capital saw relatively fewer vehicles. nepalnews.com ia Feb 13 08