Nepal govt orders citizens to ignore Maoist strike call

KATHMANDU, Sunday (AFP) - Nepal's royal government has ordered citizens to ignore a Maoist rebel call for a week-long general strike due to begin Sunday as part of a guerrilla drive to derail controversial polls.

Authorities threatened to arrest anyone taking part in the shutdown declared by the rebels in a bid to thwart next Wednesday's local elections.

The municipal elections were announced by King Gyanendra, who seized power a year ago, as part of a plan to restore democracy.

"The security forces on duty would have to take action as per the law if anyone is found involved in closing down the bazaar forcibly, obstructing traffic or indulging in vandalism" during the strike, the Home Ministry said.

A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said police were on high alert and added "more security personnel will be mobilized."

The home ministry also told people to carry identification papers "to help the security forces presently involved in a strict security search." Military convoys have been forced to accompany vehicles to prevent rebel attacks.

Hundreds of riot police guarded government buildings and patrolled deserted streets across Nepal.

The guerrillas called the countrywide closure of transport, businesses, factories and educational institutions to disrupt Wednesday's municipal elections ordered by King Gyanendra, who seized full power last year.

They have carried out a series of bomb blasts across the country and are blamed for killing two election hopefuls and for shooting and wounding another.

"I can't risk my life," said Kathmandu taxi driver Purna Khadgi, 31, as he locked his car in a garage. "They might note down the number if I take it out now and attack me later." In the past, the rebels have punished those disobeying them.

Residents in the western town of Nepalgunj, the resort town of Pokhara, also in the west, and the business towns of Birgunj and Biratnagar in the east, said transport services were off the roads and businesses shuttered.

Tens of thousands of students stayed at home as schools closed on Sunday, normally a working day in the Hindu nation.