NEPAL: MAOIST INCIDENTS LEADING UP TO 12 FEB STRIKE

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 000278 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR SA/INS AND DS/IP/SA STATE ALSO FOR CA/OCS/ACS/NESA LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY NSC FOR MILLARD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER CASC ASEC NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: MAOIST INCIDENTS LEADING UP TO 12 FEB STRIKE REF: KATHMANDU 253 ¶1. (SBU) On February 9 at approximately 1500 hours, suspected Maoists ambushed a joint security force patrol team in Lalitpur (located next to Kathmandu). During this incident a police head constable and an army officer were killed. In addition, on February 10 at approximately 0900 hours suspected Maoists exploded a bomb in a normally busy shopping area in Kathmandu, which is frequented by western expatriates. The incident occurred prior to the opening of business, and no casualties have been reported. To the Embassy's knowledge, no Americans were reported present during either incident. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: The Maoists, who have called a general strike, or "bandh" for February 12, typically stage such incidents to intimidate the local population into complying with the closure. As of COB on 10 February, no further incidents have been reported. The Embassy will continue to monitor developments closely. MALINOWSKI