Maoists blockade entry points

KATHMANDU: Maoists leaders and cadres blocked entry and exit routes to Kathmandu as part of their two day protest programme. Vehicles since early morning have been stranded at Thankot, Sanga and Balaju bypass. The Maoist cadres are chanting slogans against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and the government. According to reports the Maoist cadres have also stopped vehicles coming from Chitwan and Pokhara at Mugling. Vehicular traffic has also come to a halt on Arniko and Pasang Lamu highway. Maoists also plan to gherao Singha Durbar as part of their protest programme. Yesterday the party had clarified in a press statement that they had not imposed a strike. Educational and commercial establishments are open as usual. Traffic inside Kathmandu was normal in the early hours of the morning with no blockade reported.