Arniko Highway opens after hours of blockage

Workers affiliated with pro-Maoist All Nepal Transport Workers Union (ANTWU) ...

Traffic along the Arniko Highway remained obstructed for several hours from early Sunday morning due to strike called by the pro-Maoist All Nepal Transport Workers Union (ANTWU) to protest 'harassment' of transport workers by the police.

Transport workers burned tyres on the road at Koteshwor and placed obstructions at several places along Arniko Highway to block the vehicular movement. Buses and trucks to and from Singhupalchowk, Kavre, Ramechhap and Dolakha have been stranded at various places.

The pro-Maoist transport workers called the strike demanding release of the driver and helpers of a truck and "end to frequent harassment" by the police.

The ANTWU agreed at to end the strike from 3:00 pm after the police officials agreed to release the arrested persons. Police had invited ANTWU representatives for talks after the strike brought the traffic to a complete halt. nepalnews.com mk Sep 23 07