Nepal rebels 'abduct 700'

By Sushil Sharma
BBC correspondent in Kathmandu

Security has been stepped up

Maoist rebels have abducted about 700 people in the western hill district of Achham, reports from Nepal say.

They are said to have been taken in order to force them attend the anniversary of the Maoist rebellion.

But there has been neither official nor independent confirmation of the reports.

The rebels have denied such reports in the past, but are known to force people to attend their cultural programmes before freeing them a few days later.

Strike

Meanwhile, a general strike called by Maoist rebels has shut down the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.

Businesses, schools, colleges and factories are closed and streets deserted as most private and public drivers choose to stay off the road.

The Maoists have called the strike to press for information about their detained leaders and workers.

They have also been protesting about what they say were excesses by the security forces.

The security forces have been patrolling the streets to prevent violence.

There have been a number of minor bomb explosions over the past week which have raised concerns and led to many people staying at home.

Security

Last August the Maoists unilaterally pulled out of peace talks and a ceasefire.

A security offensive had been in place across the country since then.

The authorities said that security has been further stepped up ahead of the ninth anniversary of the Maoist insurgency, amid persistent concerns over a possible escalation of violence to mark the event.

Almost 9,000 people have died since the rebels launched an armed struggle in 1996, to replace the monarchy with a communist republic.