General strike in Kathmandu

A general strike was observed in Kathmandu on 15 June 2009, bringing activity in the city to a halt. Maoists called the strike over the death of one of their local leaders the previous week. Members of the Young Communist League allegedly attacked individuals who defied the strike, forcing cars and other vehicles off the road, and setting some vehicles on fire. Schools and factories were also forced to close due to the strike. YCL officials are calling for the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the killing of their leader, which they blame on the rival Communist Party of Nepal.