Janus
14th March 2006, 13:13
BBC News
Transport across Nepal has been severely affected as Maoist rebels began an indefinite blockade to try to force the king to end direct rule.
They aim to stop supplies reaching the capital. Authorities say security is tight on key highways, and there are no reports of any violence.
The move came as the government renewed an offer of amnesty and cash for rebels who surrender within three months.
More than 13,000 people have died in 10 years of Maoist insurgency in Nepal.
The BBC's Sushil Sharma in Kathmandu says that life in the capital is normal - Tuesday is a public holiday to mark the Hindu festival of Holi.
There are no reports of any panic buying of goods by people, though prices of essential goods have shot up.
The authorities say sufficient arrangements have been made to ensure security and a normal supply of goods.
In February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the multi-party government and seized direct control of the government.
Pardons
On Monday, Home Minister Kamal Thapa urged people to defy the rebels. He also made a fresh offer of amnesty for rebels who abandoned violence by mid-June.
He said those who took advantage of the offer could qualify for cash incentives of up $14,000. Land, health benefits and employment could also be provided by the government, he said.
Court cases pending against rebels would be dropped and those convicted pardoned if they sought amnesty.
Correspondents say the government has made amnesty offers in the past.
It is not clear how many rebels responded.
Intimidation
Our correspondent says a similar blockade two years ago did not seriously disrupt normal life in the capital.
Security escorts for supply vehicles helped ensure there was no major shortage of essential items.
The rebels normally block the supply of goods to and from cities and towns through intimidation and fear of reprisal.
They are not physically present on roads to enforce the blockade, but are known to place road barriers in some places.
Mainstream political parties, who last year reached an understanding with the rebels to intensify pressure on the king, have urged the rebels to withdraw the planned blockade.
Human rights groups and civil society leaders have also made a similar appeal. They said the blockade would affect ordinary people more than the government.
Transport across Nepal has been severely affected as Maoist rebels began an indefinite blockade to try to force the king to end direct rule.
They aim to stop supplies reaching the capital. Authorities say security is tight on key highways, and there are no reports of any violence.
The move came as the government renewed an offer of amnesty and cash for rebels who surrender within three months.
More than 13,000 people have died in 10 years of Maoist insurgency in Nepal.
The BBC's Sushil Sharma in Kathmandu says that life in the capital is normal - Tuesday is a public holiday to mark the Hindu festival of Holi.
There are no reports of any panic buying of goods by people, though prices of essential goods have shot up.
The authorities say sufficient arrangements have been made to ensure security and a normal supply of goods.
In February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the multi-party government and seized direct control of the government.
Pardons
On Monday, Home Minister Kamal Thapa urged people to defy the rebels. He also made a fresh offer of amnesty for rebels who abandoned violence by mid-June.
He said those who took advantage of the offer could qualify for cash incentives of up $14,000. Land, health benefits and employment could also be provided by the government, he said.
Court cases pending against rebels would be dropped and those convicted pardoned if they sought amnesty.
Correspondents say the government has made amnesty offers in the past.
It is not clear how many rebels responded.
Intimidation
Our correspondent says a similar blockade two years ago did not seriously disrupt normal life in the capital.
Security escorts for supply vehicles helped ensure there was no major shortage of essential items.
The rebels normally block the supply of goods to and from cities and towns through intimidation and fear of reprisal.
They are not physically present on roads to enforce the blockade, but are known to place road barriers in some places.
Mainstream political parties, who last year reached an understanding with the rebels to intensify pressure on the king, have urged the rebels to withdraw the planned blockade.
Human rights groups and civil society leaders have also made a similar appeal. They said the blockade would affect ordinary people more than the government.