Maoists have called off their indefinite blockade on the western section of the East-west Highway from Thursday.

A press statement issued by Ramesh Koirala, spokesperson of ‘western military command’ of the Maoist party, said the blockade has been withdrawn following requests by the local people, human rights organisations and media persons. He said vehicular traffic would be allowed on the highway from today itself.

Transportation had been badly affected since last few days after the rebels put barriers and planted landmines on the highway. Security forces had cleared some barriers but vehicles could not ply on the western section of the highway due to rebel threat.