Kathmandu, Nov 13 (IANS): A countrywide strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist paralysed normal life in the Himalayan nation on Sunday, officials here said.
The strike was called to press for food security and protest against rising food prices.
Maoist members vandalised at least one dozen heavy and light vehicles across the country while enforcing the strike call, the police said.
At least 76 strike-enforcers were arrested from various parts of Kathmandu.
According to Superintendent of Police Pradyumna Karki, only a few public transport vehicles were seen plying on the capital's roads. However, vehicles with private number plates were more in number. Most shops and business establishments along with educational institutions remained closed.
A large number of security personnel were deployed in Kathmandu to prevent any untoward incident.