Guest
10.03.2004, 18:06
This wardens message is being issued to alert Americans citizens to Maoist road blockades in Midwestern and Western regions of Nepal. This message also warns Americans about Maoist calls for a Pokhara-only bandh planned for March 12.
Maoist-affiliated organizations have announced forced closure of roads in numerous districts outside the Kathmandu Valley for the period of March 8 - 25. Reports on March 9 indicated that movement of traffic had been severely curtailed in the districts of Chitwan, Kaski (roads to Pokhara), Syangja, Sindhupalchok (road to Tibet), Makwanpur, Nawalparasi, Tanahu, Rupandehi (roads to Lumbini and Bhairawa), Palpa, Parbhat, Gorkha, Myagdi and Lamjung. Roads between both routes to Chitwan (i.e., between Mugling and Narayangadh as well as between Hetauda and Narayangadh had been blocked by felled trees). Maoists on March 9 also succeeded in obstructing the Arniko Highway linking Kathmandu to the border with Tibet. The Maoists reportedly also hope to expand the areas blockaded on or after March 17. Moreover, while domestic airlines are still currently flying scheduled routes, travel to and from domestic airports in affected areas may become difficult.
While security forces are attempting to clear blockaded roads, it is highly likely that new blockades will surface in various areas in coming days. Because of the heightened risks of road travel at this time, the Embassy strongly cautions American citizens against undertaking road travel outside of the Kathmandu Valley or major district headquarters until threats of Maoist blockades have ceased. Americans hoping to fly to or from destinations outside the Kathmandu Valley should inquire carefully with airport authorities concerning the safety of getting to and from airports before undertaking any such travel.
http://www.south-asia.com/USA/acs-pa.html
Maoist-affiliated organizations have announced forced closure of roads in numerous districts outside the Kathmandu Valley for the period of March 8 - 25. Reports on March 9 indicated that movement of traffic had been severely curtailed in the districts of Chitwan, Kaski (roads to Pokhara), Syangja, Sindhupalchok (road to Tibet), Makwanpur, Nawalparasi, Tanahu, Rupandehi (roads to Lumbini and Bhairawa), Palpa, Parbhat, Gorkha, Myagdi and Lamjung. Roads between both routes to Chitwan (i.e., between Mugling and Narayangadh as well as between Hetauda and Narayangadh had been blocked by felled trees). Maoists on March 9 also succeeded in obstructing the Arniko Highway linking Kathmandu to the border with Tibet. The Maoists reportedly also hope to expand the areas blockaded on or after March 17. Moreover, while domestic airlines are still currently flying scheduled routes, travel to and from domestic airports in affected areas may become difficult.
While security forces are attempting to clear blockaded roads, it is highly likely that new blockades will surface in various areas in coming days. Because of the heightened risks of road travel at this time, the Embassy strongly cautions American citizens against undertaking road travel outside of the Kathmandu Valley or major district headquarters until threats of Maoist blockades have ceased. Americans hoping to fly to or from destinations outside the Kathmandu Valley should inquire carefully with airport authorities concerning the safety of getting to and from airports before undertaking any such travel.
http://www.south-asia.com/USA/acs-pa.html