Maoists’ call for strike in Gandaki zone has affected life in the lake city of Pokhara and surrounding districts on Friday, reports said.

The strike has led to the closure of almost all educational institutions, offices, businesses and vehicular movement, the reports said.

Nearly 20 micro-buses, safeguarded by the security forces were seen plying on the roads of the lake city, the reports said, adding, no other vehicles were seen plying.

Though the closure was announced to be effective only in Gandaki zone, it has paralysed life also in nearby districts of other zones such as Parbat, Baglung and Rupandehi, the reports said.

Security personnel have been heavily patrolling Pokhara, Tanahu and Syangja bazaars, among other places. No untoward incident has been reported so far. nepalnews.com mr Jan 9