Maoists protest arms import

Kathmandu, Sep 13 (UNI) The Maoists have called a nation-wide strike today to protest the import of 'weapons' by the government, saying a huge cache of arms and ammunitions entered Nepal last night.

''Four Mine Protected Vehicles, 20 mini-trucks, two trucks and five jeeps carrying arms and ammunitions entered the country via Birgunj and arrived at the Nepal Army barracks at Gajuri in Dhading last night,'' The Himalayan Times quoted Maoists' central member Anant as saying.

The trucks were carrying regular non-combat supplies, Brigadier Nepal Bhushan Chand was quoted as saying by the paper.

The Maoists also claimed that they halted around 17 vehicles with army supplies in Bankatta and Rupandehi.

Meanwhile, Bhairhawa, Butwal, Parasi, Narayanghat and Biratnagar were shut down due to the Chakka Jam called by the Maoists. It also led to the closure of Mahendra Highway.

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