The main opposition Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) has announced a nationwide strike from May 2, 2010 to pressurize the government led by Madhav Kumar Nepal, an influential leader of the Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist) to step down.  The UCPN-M informed that it is also organizing a ‘huge’ demonstration in Kathmandu on May 1 to draw the attention of the ruling political parties for the formation of a new national government.

Chairman of the UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that the party would go for such a strike if the ruling political parties do not agree on the issue of forming the national government by May 1.

Leader Prachanda has assured that the party’s strike will not be affecting the tourism industry, health services and the press freedom.

The party of formal rebels has been holding protests and strikes across the country following the stepping down of the Maoist-led Government in Nepal on May 4, 2009.

Despite announcement of such protests, the situation of the Kathmandu Valley and other tourist destinations have remained peaceful. All vehicles, including tourist buses, are plying the roads and streets smoothly.

Nepal Association of Tour Operators are hopeful that the parties will reach an understanding to resolve the current political deadlock, as they are holding talks in this regard.