Violence marks anti-Maoist strike in Kathmandu

Sporadic violence broke out in Nepal's capital yesterday during a day-long shutdown to protest the killing of a city businessman allegedly by the Maoists, an incident that sparked resentment against the former rebels who are expected to head the country's new government.
Life came to a standstill in all three districts of Kathmandu valley with vehicles remaining off the roads, shops and factories closed and schools and colleges shut down. The strike call was given by the family of the victim, supported by various student and youth groups.
Clashes took place between protestors and police in different places, including Chabahil and Gongabun areas.
At least three protestors were injured during the violence that also saw angry youths smashing the window-panes of a dozen cars and other vehicles, while raising anti-Maoist slogans and tearing down party flags and banners.
The killing of businessman Ramhari Shrestha, said to be a Maoist supporter, came as a major embarrassment to the party and its supremo Prachanda, who is planning to head the next government in Nepal after the Maoists emerged as the single largest in the April 10 Constituent Assembly polls.
Thirtyfive-year-old Shrestha was allegedly abducted by the Maoists charging him with stealing Rs 1.7 million and a handgun last month. He was later killed inside a UN-monitored cantonment in southern Chitwan district.
The murder sparked anti-Maoist protests by Shrestha's family, student groups and human rights organisations.
Prachanda has agreed to forming a high-level probe commission to investigate the matter and take action against the guilty. Some "selfish elements" within the party has carried out the murder, he is reported to have said.