US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU2492

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002492 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR SA/INS AND DS/IP/SA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, PGOV, CASC, NP 
SUBJECT: KATHMANDU VALLEY STRIKE SHUTS DOWN BUSINESS, HALTS 
TRANSPORT 
 
REF: KATHMANDU 2484 
 
1.  The December 29-30 general strike (\"bandh\") called by the 
Maoists in the Narayani and Bagmati zones, the latter of 
which includes the Kathmandu Valley (Reftel), was generally 
well observed throughout the city.  The roads were empty of 
most public and private transportation both days, with the 
exception of diplomatic vehicles, army trucks, and a few 
intrepid motorcycles (with license plate numbers blocked 
out).  Approximately 80 percent of shops and stores remained 
shuttered along the main roads, although slightly more 
businesses ventured to open the second day. 
 
2.  The Valley was generally quiet for the duration of the 
two-day strike.  On December 27 four armed Maoists bombed the 
Village Development Committee (VDC) building in Gongabu, 3 km 
north of the Embassy, after forcing the employees out at 
mid-day.  No one was injured in the incident.  The same day 
in Nuwakot District, approximately 35 km north of the 
capital, armed Maoists burnt down a residence previously 
owned by Princess Helen Shah, aunt of King Gyanendra.  No one 
was hurt in the incident, although the property suffered 
extensive damage. 
 
3.  Comment:  The strike may have been timed to disrupt 
festivities planned to celebrate the December 30 birthday of 
Crown Prince Paras.  As in previous Maoist strikes, the high 
degree of observance is more attributable to popular fear of 
the insurgents and their terrorist tactics, than to support 
for their ideology.  In any case, adherence to periodic 
Maoist bandhs can be expected as long as local residents feel 
unable to rely on the Government to protect them should they 
defy Maoist diktats. 
MALINOWSKI