Industrialists have decided to shutdown all Kathmandu-based industries and businesses from 3 pm protesting the Maoist attacks, threats and extortion against them.

in Baluwatar after beating by the Maoists yesterday night after he refused the donation demands by them, Monday, Mar 19 07. nepalnews.com/ANA

Industrialists and businessmen, who reached the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minster demanding security assurance announced the bandh in a press conference in front of the PM’s residence.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, the umbrella organization of businessmen, and Binod Chaudhari, chairman of Confederation of Nepalese Industries announced the bandh.

The agitating businessmen announced that they would close all industries, export-import, education institutions as well as transport and air services from 3 pm in Kathmandu while the protest will come into effect across the country from Tuesday.

Businessmen also staged a sit-in at the main gate of the PM’s residence demanding the government to address their demands.

Earlier, businessmen organised a sit in at Durbarmarg for about 30 minutes.

Entrepreneurs took the move one day after Maoists abducted and thrashed operator of Hotel Woodlands of Durbarmarg Hari Shrestha for not giving donation as demanded by the Maoists.