Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04KATHMANDU252
2004-02-10 01:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:  

Nepal Wardens Message - Maoist Nationwide

Tags:  CASC PTER ASEC NP 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000252

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR CA/OCS/ACS/NESA JOHN PETERS AND SA/INS
GREG BAYER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC NP
SUBJECT: Nepal Wardens Message - Maoist Nationwide
Strike February 12

On February 6, Post disseminated the following security
announcement to American citizens in Nepal via its warden
network. Post had pre-cleared the message with OCS Desk
Officer John Peters.

[Begin text]

This wardens message is being issued to alert Americans
citizens about the Maoists' call for a nationwide "bandh"
(forced closure of businesses, schools and vehicular
traffic) for February 12. In addition, the Maoists
reportedly are planning a longer-term program of
demonstrations and bandhs affecting different parts of
the country from February 8 through March 31. This
message advises Americans to exercise heightened security
precautions and to maintain a low profile during the days
leading up to the February 12 bandh and throughout this
period.

In the past, the Maoists have utilized bombings,
assassinations and other acts of violence to intimidate
and coerce observance of their forced bandh. Given the
high level of pre-bandh violence and the unpredictability
of these disturbances, American citizens are urged to
exercise extra caution both during the lead-up to the
proposed bandh and on bandh dates.

During the scheduled bandh, official Americans are
advised to minimize non-essential travel. American
citizens are urged to maintain a low profile throughout
the bandh period, traveling as little as possible within
or outside the Kathmandu Valley. Taxi and bus services
may not be available. If you must travel, wait until a
pattern of traffic is well-established. During past
bandhs, a number of buses, taxis and trucks have been
attacked.

Americans should also be aware that, in the past, Nepali
authorities have imposed curfews on short notice for
various areas, both within and outside Kathmandu. Often
the areas affected by the curfew are not clearly defined.
Outside the Kathmandu Valley, dusk to dawn curfews have
been imposed in many districts. American citizens are
advised to monitor evening media broadcasts closely for
the latest curfew information and to respect the curfew
restrictions.

For further information about bandhs, guidance on
security measures to be followed in the lead up to and
during bandhs, and information about security conditions
in Nepal, American citizens are strongly encouraged to
refer to the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal which
may be found on the Department of State's home page at
http://travel.state.gov and the American Embassy in
Nepal's home page at http://www.south-asia.com/USA.

[End text]

Malinowski