Dissenting parties launch general strike in Nepal against proposed provinces

Normal life across Nepal was crippled on Sunday as a 30-party alliance launched a general strike protesting against the proposed boundaries of federal provinces.

Under a proposed constitution, Nepal will be divided into six provinces. An agreement on the borders of the new provinces was struck last Saturday, but the proposals have led to protests in parts of the Himalayan nation over the number and demarcation of provinces.

The 30-party alliance, led by the CPN Maoist, also comprises Madhes-based parties and different indigenous groups.

Markets, educational institutions and businesses have been shut down across the country, including capital Kathmandu, since early morning. While a few private and emergency vehicles like ambulances and vehicles of press and diplomatic missions are still on the roads, public vehicular movement has come to a complete standstill.

Meanwhile, a group of strikers vandalized some vehicles in the capital this morning. They also clashed with police while trying to shut down the market forcefully.