A general strike supposedly called by the Maoists affected normal life in the eastern parts of the country Thursday.

The trade union affiliated to the CPN-Maoist had announced a three-day bandh in the eastern region beginning today. Local Maoist leaders, reports said, had informed the local media via telephone that the general strikes have been called off, but the general public chose not to believe it.

Majority of shops, schools, colleges and factories remained closed throughout the day in many parts of the region with very few vehicles on the road.

Major commercial hubs in the eastern region such as Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari, Damak, Jaleshwor, Lahan and Janakpur were badly affected by the bandh, reports said.

Very few shops opened In Biratnagar and vehicular traffic was very low. Long-route transport was severely affected. No violent activities were reported.