Maoist rebels call Nepal strike

Security has been tightened around strategic locations in Nepal, as Maoist rebels called a one day national strike on Thursday to protest against new public security regulations.

Many schools, offices and factories were expected shut down.

Police strengthened patrols around telephone towers, bridges and government buildings.

The Maoists have stepped up their attacks since last month's massacre of most of the royal family by crown prince Dipendra, who then shot himself.

In recent weeks they've targetted the prime minister, the king and the police.

A bomb went off on Wednesday outside the house of the daughter of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, but no one was injured.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service