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