Bandh called by different outfits have affected normal life in Pokhara and Janakpur on Friday.

The Gandak region bandh called by Maoist-affiliated Tamu National Liberation Front has affected transport, educational activities and businesses in tourist town of Pokhara.

Likewise, the bandh has also affected normal life in Gorkha, Lamjung, Parbat, Kaski and Tanahun districts.

The front has demanded autonomy to the region, announcement of federal republic and public holiday on the occasion of their Lhosar festival, among others.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Students Union has called Janakpur bandh on Friday to protest the killing of its local leader on Thursday.

An unidentified group had murdered Ram Dayal Yadav, NSU leader, in Mahottari district Thursday night. Ram Dayal Yadav was shot dead at Dhirapura village, reports said. Four of his relatives were seriously injured in the attack.

NSU president Pradeep Poudel has condemned the killing and demanded action against the culprit.

Police said the assailants are yet to be identified. But some reports say dacoits could have been involved in Yadav’s killing.

Of late, districts in Terai have become embroiled in insecurity. There are several armed groups like Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (two factions), Madhesi Tigers and Terai Cobra apart from dacoits who have intensified killings and abductions.

In another incident, a section of road in Araniko highway around a place called 54 Kilo in Kavre district has been closed down by local people. The people have raised obstacles to stop the traffic flow in the highway protesting an incident on Thursday when security guards of Forest Minister Matrika Yadav had thrashed some local youths. Minister Yadav had gone to the area to inspect about the smuggling of red sandalwood. Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded due to the obstruction.