Tight security in Kathmandu to thwart Maoist infiltration

Nepalese women shop as security personnel stand guard in a busy market place at Ason in Kathmandu yesterday. Nepal's royal government has tightened security in the capital to thwart infiltration by Maoist rebels ahead of massive pro-democracy protests planned for April. PHOTO: AFP

"We have introduced tight security measures to avoid any kind of terrorist activities in the capital as the seven parties' so-called peaceful movement is just two weeks away," said government spokesman Shrish Shumshere Rana.

"The move was taken as we have reason to suspect they (Maoists) are infiltrating and we are cautious that they will penetrate in the (Kathmandu) valley."

Nepal's sidelined political parties reached an agreement with Maoist rebels last week to hold a mass pro-democracy protest in early April against King Gyanendra, who seized absolute power in February 2005.

The agreement calls for a "huge peaceful demonstration" in the capital on April 8 against Gyanendra as well as a general strike nationwide April 6 to 9.

"Security patrols have been increased while stringent security checks and search operations have been initiated in order to make the security system of the Kathmandu Valley stronger and effective," the government-run Rising Nepal reported Sunday, quoting the home ministry.

The ministry also told people to carry identity cards and be prepared for security checks throughout Kathmandu and adjoining suburbs.

The warning came after suspected Maoists bombed the house of Toran Bahadur Gurung, assistant minister for general administration, in Kathmandu Saturday evening.

Nobody was injured but the blast damaged a vehicle and the house, police said.