Widespread opposition to Maoist strike; other details (DEVELOPING STORY)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 6 May: Amid clashes, widespread opposition to Maoist strike has been reported from various parts of the country, including the capital, as the crippling seize of streets entered its fifth day Thursday.
Locals clashed with Maoists attempting to enforce the strike at Budanilkantha and Jorparti; in Budanilkantha, police lobbed three teargas shells to contain the clashes between rival sides.
Maoists again took to the streets singing and dancing while shouting anti-government slogans.
Clashes were reported in Parbat overnight where 14 persons were injured amid reports of clashes from Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Tanahu, Syangha, Ilam and other districts.
In Okhaldhunga and Parbat, the Maoist district offices were attacked and destroyed.
In Birgunj, where earlier reports said local authorities were preparing to clap a curfew from one in the afternoon, fresh reports said police has restored some semblance of control.
Activists of the World Hindu Yuba Samaj attacked, torched completely and destroyed a camp of the Maoists inside the premises of the Birgunj municipality.
Police are escorting hundreds of Maoists out of the town after they came to the town from districts to participate in the strike.
Locals in Ilam overnight people torched two motorcycles of Maoists as they were driving defying their own strike,
Maoist standing committee meeting decided to counter any attempt to curb the right of the opposition to hold a strike while asking its activists to be disciplined.
A meeting of student and youth organizations of 12 parties asked Maoists to withdraw the strike Thursday and threatened to defy it.
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