Maoists have called a nationwide bandh (strike) for April 6-8. Such strikes usually shut down all transportation and businesses and are often enforced with violence. Maoist bombings have hit Kathmandu’s main tourist district, with explosions in Thamel in late March causing several injuries. Clashes between Maoists and the Nepal army in Beni and Baglung have made the entry point to the popular Annapurna Sanctuary trekking route dangerous, and private vehicles carrying foreigners have been stopped and burned once everyone was forced out. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged the government and Maoists to resume peace talks, and the government is considering a formal response.
