Ground Report

Kathmandu, Nepal, May 4, 2010: The third day of the consecutive indefinite strike declared by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has hit the normal life of the nation. Situations have not changed from the first day where roads are still empty, shops are closed, and the Maoist supporters have camped and blocked all the main roads. Ambulances, security personnel vehicles, press vehicles, diplomatic missions and carrying water and milk were only seen operation. The patience of people is being tested to the level where scarcity has ruled in and they are bound to stay at their home with nothing expect to criticize. Neither, the government is ready to address the issues of the Maoist party, nor the agitators are ready to compromise with their demand. The situation certainly lies in a dilemma where both the parties are in the mood of wait and watch. The strike certainly seemed to be going in a peaceful way but with the prolonging issues of scarcity and lack of resources it can be ascertained that Maoist supporters are losing their interest. Likewise, numerous cases of Maoist supporter falling ill have been reported where hundreds of the protestors have fled the strike program and returned home looking at the bad management. Getting back to the strike everyday hundreds of people gather and rally around the cities shouting anti government slogan. Similarly, with the recent happenings, things are really going out of control, today a group of Maoist cadres vandalized more than a dozen of shops in Anamnagar area for defying the strike. During the tension, it was reported that the shops were robbed. It seems situation is going out of control where the protestors are taking out their frustration to local people and shop. The strike certainly holds the pride for and by the people where ultimately he people are suffering the consequences.