In an attempt to disrupt the civic felicitation of His Majesty King in Nepalgunj on February 8, the Maoists have announced Bandh (closure) on the day.
A report posted on the Maoist website mentioned that the Tharuwan Autonomous Government (a self-style Maoist government) has ‘banned’ the civic felicitation of the King. The report quoting Ram Charan Choudhari, head of the government said that factories, educational institutions and traffic including air transport would be restricted.
The ultras have also launched a publicity campaign against the King’s felicitation. The Maoists are avowed to disrupt the program, the report mentioned.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas prior to the royal visit to the district. Organizing a press briefing Thursday, the Western Pritana of the Royal Nepalese Army said an intensive drive against Maoists has been launched in the region.