Bussinesses, schools and transport remain closed

A bandh (strike) called by Nepal's Maoists entered a fourth consecutive day on 5 May 2010. Businesses, schools and public transportation remained closed, as the protesters continued to press the government to resign. Maoist supporters blocked roads to the Singhadurbar government complex in an attempt to halt government activities; however, many legislators were already inside the complex before the blockades were erected. Maoist leaders are holding negotiations with representatives of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), the two main ruling parties, though government leaders continue to refuse the Maoists' demands. The government has heightened security near banks so that they can reopen despite the bandh. Police escorts are supervising the delivery of food and fuel to Kathmandu to alleviate shortages in the city.