All industries, businesses and education institutions remained closed on Tuesday, the second day of the indefinite shutdown strike called by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), which is supported by 70 business organisations, against Maoist excesses and lack of security.

Industrialist Rajendra Khetan leading a rally organised by the businessmen community in the capital on Tuesday (Mar 20 06) against the Maoist intimidation of businessmen. nepalnews.com/ANA

The strike had mainly affected normal life in Kathmandu with most of the shops in main marketplaces, banks and private schools remaining shut while the vehicular traffic is relatively low.

The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal also decided to halt air services on Thursday to express solidarity with the general strike that began from 3 pm on Monday.

Likewise, the Association of Development Banks’ of Nepal also expressed solidarity with the strike of the business community.

Expressing support to the strike, Independent National Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions has called on the government to immediately address the business community’s demands and create conducive atmosphere for smooth running of businesses.

Likewise, Nepal Freight Forwarders’ Association halted all export and import activities today.

However, Biratnagar and few other towns remained unaffected by the strike with the marketplaces, educational institutions and transportation services remaining open. Businesses remained operational in Morang, Birgunj, Siraha, Bara and Biratnagar.

However, Bardiya has been greatly affected by the indefinite general strike. Similarly, factories and industries remain closed in Mahottari. The places in and around the industrial centre of Butwal have been affected with all industries, businesses, factories and transportation services closed.

Businessmen started protest demanding security to their business after Maoists abducted and thrashed Hari Shrestha, the owner of Hotel Woodlands at Durbarmarg, for not providing Rs 2 million donation on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, Maoist affiliated trade union, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) has said that two of its cadres have been suspended for their involvement in the beating up of hotelier Shrestha.

ANTUF chairman Salik Ram Jamarkattel said that Deepak Rai and Mukunda Neupane had been involved in the incident and that action has been initiated against them.

The Maoist cadres had abducted Shrestha from the hotel and severely beat him up when he refused to pay donation.

Jamarkattel claimed that the federation had never been involved in extortions in the past and that it had no plans to engage in such activities.