Strike called by Maoist rebels paralyzes life in Nepal

KATMANDU, Nepal -- Security forces killed at least 10 rebels on Monday as communist insurgents tried to paralyze the Himalayan kingdom by ordering a general strike.

Two soldiers were injured in the fighting near Bhawalichaur in Baglung district, 187 miles northwest of the capital, Katmandu, police officials said on condition of anonymity. The clash started after guerrillas tried to ambush an army patrol, they said.

Schools and businesses were closed and roads were deserted as many people in the capital stayed home on the first day of the three-day strike ordered by the rebels, who are fighting to overthrow Nepal's constitutional monarchy.

The shutdown was backed by the threat of violence. Most Nepalese do not support the insurgents, but they often heed their strike calls because in the past they have attacked citizens who defy them.

Authorities responded by tightening security across the kingdom. Police said at least 88 suspects were detained.

The rebels -- who draw their inspiration from Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong -- said this week's strike was in protest of the king's appointment last month of a pro-monarchist prime minister.

The king chose Lokendra Bahadur Chand as the country's new leader after dismissing the elected government of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Deuba was fired after he moved to postpone parliamentary elections for one year, citing security concerns.

More than 7,000 people have been killed during the six-year insurgency, most of them after the king imposed a state of emergency in November 2001 and ordered the army to join the police in fighting the rebels.