The Maoist rebels on early Wednesday have torched 18 trucks en route to Kathamndu at Kharanga near Manahari river in Makwanpur district along the Mahendra Highway.
According to reports, the trucks were ferrying goods to the capital from southern cities of Birjung, Biratnagar and Kakarbhitta. The rebels have also bombed a police post in Chaugada of Hetauda, which was vacant after the Maoist attack on Sunday.
Talking to Nepalnews, Kathmandu based police confirmed that 18 vehicles were torched, but added they were not sure if all of them were trucks. The police further added that among the 18 vehicles, 8 were completely torched to the extent that their number plates were not identifiable, while the other vehicles could be identified by their plates. No other details were available.
The rebels reportedly have announced indefinite blockade in all districts of Narayani zone which has led to the closure of transportation, educational and business activities in the area. Bara, Parsa, Rautahat and Chitwan districts fall in the Narayani zone.
Similarly, issuing a press release on Tuesday, the Maoist rebels have have announced indefinite blockades with effect from Thursday on the Sunachuri-Hetaunda section of the Mahendra highway, Naagdhunga-Benighat section of the Prithvi highway and Naubise-Bhaise section of the Tribvhuwan highway.
On Tuesday evening, the rebels attacked security forces in the Dhadingbesi, headquarters of Dhading district, and injured five persons including a 10-year-old. Four security personnel were injured in the attack. Water, power supplies and telecommunication have been disrupted in the area following the attack.
In another incident, two rebels were killed in security action in Birendranagar, Surkhet district.
In Dailekh, villagers forced 11 Maoist rebels to surrender before the security forces on Tuesday.