The indefinite strike called by the UCPN (Maoist) affected normal life across the country for the second day on Monday.
Transportation came to a halt as Kathmandu and other places were filled with Maoist cadres since early morning. Shops and markets, educational institutions and industries remained closed.
On Sunday, the demonstrators obstructed higher secondary school examination and the exams were cancelled at some places. On Monday, they vandalised some colleges that had conducted examinations on Sunday.
Discussions have however been intensified among the major parties —Maoists, Nepali Congress, and the CPN (UML) — to reach a solution to end the deadlock. Maoist Vice-Chairman Narayankaji Shrestha says his party is willing to withdraw the strike but not before a consensus is reached.
The Maoists demand removal of the CPN (UML) government and formation of a national government under their leadership. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal says he won't resign under street pressure. He has asked the Maoists to follow a constitutional process if a new government is to be formed.
