US embassy cable - 05KATHMANDU2340

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002340 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR CA/OCS/ACS/NESA LESLIE IMES AND SA/INS STEPHEN 
BLAKE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC, PTER, ASEC, NP, Political Parties 
SUBJECT: Nepal Wardens' Message Regarding Political 
Party-Declared Closure for October 28 
 
On October 27, 2005, Post disseminated the following 
announcement to American citizens in Nepal via its warden 
network.  OCS Duty Officer Mike Meszaros pre-cleared the 
text. 
 
[Begin text] 
 
This warden's message is being issued to alert American 
citizens that the Seven-Party Alliance has called for an 
'Upatyaka Bandh' (shutdown strike) in the Kathmandu 
Valley on Friday, October 28, 2005.  The Embassy has also 
heard rumors that the All Nepali National Free Students' 
Union - Revolutionary (ANNFSU-R) may call a 
transportation closure from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on 
Saturday, October 29, 2005 for the Narayani & Bagmati 
zones of Nepal (includes the Kathmandu Valley). 
 
Protestors during previous bandhs called by the political 
parties have used violence, including burning vehicles, 
throwing rocks during street demonstrations and burning 
tires to block traffic.  Vehicles, including private 
vehicles, have been damaged.  In some cases, police have 
responded with tear gas and baton charges. 
 
Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of these 
disturbances, American citizens are urged to exercise 
special caution at this time, avoid road travel and 
maintain a low profile.  Americans are strongly urged to 
avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds 
are forming.  If you must travel, wait until a pattern of 
traffic is well established.  Taxi and bus services may 
not be available. 
 
For further information about security conditions in 
Nepal, American citizens are strongly encouraged to refer 
to the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal and the 
current Travel Warning for Nepal issued on June 24, 2005 
(http://travel.state.gov).  American citizens are also 
encouraged to refer to the Worldwide Caution Public 
Announcement for additional travel safety and security 
information.  These documents are available on the 
Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' home 
page at http://travel.state.gov and the American Embassy 
in Nepal's home page at http://www.nepal.usembassy.gov. 
Specific information may also be obtained by calling the 
Embassy at (977-1) 444-5577 and asking for the American 
Citizen Services unit of the Consular Section.  In the 
event of a communications blackout, security information 
will be left at all of the major hotels in Kathmandu. 
 
[End text] 
 
MORIARTY