Nepal’s highways deserted as Maoists launch blockade

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s Maoist rebels launched a week-long blockade of Kathmandu and other cities yesterday, leaving roads deserted and piling fresh pressure on King Gyanendra who seized power 13 months ago.

Security forces were on high alert and troops offered protection to vehicles defying the blockade. Fear of rebel reprisals rather than physical action was keeping many drivers off the road.Those breaking the blockade order covered licence plates to avoid retribution.”Security around the valley has been heightened,” said a police officer on condition of anonymity.The Maoists targeted Kathmandu and other big centres as part of their drive to topple Gyanendra, who seized power in what he said was a bid to end the insurgency.But analysts say he is no closer to his goal.In previous blockades, Maoists torched trucks and booby-trapped roadblocks but no similar incidents were reported so far, an army headquarters official said.Maoists are believed to keep records of vehicles breaking their blockades and to punish those defying them.The blockade came as the royal government offered top rebel leaders US$14 000, an amnesty and a land plot if they surrender before June 15, the Himalayan Times reported.- Nampa-AFPFear of rebel reprisals rather than physical action was keeping many drivers off the road.Those breaking the blockade order covered licence plates to avoid retribution.”Security around the valley has been heightened,” said a police officer on condition of anonymity.The Maoists targeted Kathmandu and other big centres as part of their drive to topple Gyanendra, who seized power in what he said was a bid to end the insurgency.But analysts say he is no closer to his goal.In previous blockades, Maoists torched trucks and booby-trapped roadblocks but no similar incidents were reported so far, an army headquarters official said.Maoists are believed to keep records of vehicles breaking their blockades and to punish those defying them.The blockade came as the royal government offered top rebel leaders US$14 000, an amnesty and a land plot if they surrender before June 15, the Himalayan Times reported.- Nampa-AFP