NEPAL: APRIL 28 BANDH WELL-OBSERVED; MAOIST

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000770 SIPDIS STATE FOR SA/INS AND DS/IP/SA STATE ALSO PLEASE PASS USAID/ANE/SA LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY NSC FOR MILLARD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PTER CASC ASEC NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: APRIL 28 BANDH WELL-OBSERVED; MAOIST STUDENTS SUPPORT STRIKE ON APRIL 29 REF: KATHMANDU 677 BANDH WELL-OBSERVED, USAID VEHICLE DAMAGED BY BRICK -------------- ¶1. An April 28 general strike, or bandh, called for the Kathmandu Valley by several student groups (reftel) was generally well-observed. A few public and private vehicles were seen on the streets, but most Nepalis chose to walk or ride bicycles. Approximately sixty to sixty-five percent of shops were closed on the main north-south route through the city, though more shops appeared to be open on smaller side streets. One USAID shuttle bus driven by local staff and displaying USAID license plates was damaged by a thrown brick. A rear window of the vehicle was broken, but there were no passengers at the time and the driver was not hurt. Sporadic rock throwing took place in isolated locations throughout the city, and there were reports of damage to Nepali vehicles. There were no reports of threats or injuries to American Citizens. STUDENTS CANCEL SECOND DAY OF BANDH, MAOIST STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE PROTEST -------------- ¶2. Student groups protesting the postponement of school elections and the recent hike in petroleum prices canceled the second day of the bandh, ostensibly in deference to higher secondary school examinations, which start on April ¶29. However, the student wing of the Maoists released a statement on the morning of April 28 announcing its intention to continue with the planned strike. The Maoist students are protesting the recent killings of two of their comrades by unknown assailants, and demanding the release of others held in government custody. Embassy-affiliated Lincoln School was closed on April 28, and will remain closed on April 29. GON PROHIBITS PROTEST PROGRAMS -------------- ¶3. On April 27, the Government of Nepal (GON) announced a ban on protest programs including processions, sit-ins, and hunger strikes in several areas around the capital. The areas designated are near the Royal Palace or GON facilities. MALINOWSKI