Landmark Kathmandu hotel in Maoist blast
Agu 17, 2004 12: 23 EST
Three blasts shook the Soaltee Crown Plaza hotel in Kathmandu yesterday. Two men on a motorcycle threw the homemade bombs onto the tennis court and then fled.
The Maoists targeted the hotel as it is owned by King Gyanendra. The attack was a result of the Kings refusal to give in to Maoist demands to close down various businesses.
The hotel has closed and the tourists are evacuated. There are no injuries reported. The rebels have also threatened to block roads linking Kathmandu with the rest of the country with effect from Wednesday. There are currently a number of fall expeditions travelling the area to reach their base camps.
The feeling of fear and insecurity among Nepal's businesses and industries have deepened with the countdown for a Maoist ban on 14 organisations starting Tuesday.
A number of transportation companies have closed down due to killing of drivers. "The government is ready to provide full security," said Raghuji Panta, the minister for labour and transport management. "We are also ready to hold talks with the Maoists but they aren't. Had they been, they wouldn't have needed to resort to threats and strikes."
Earlier this month, ten time summiter Mingma Sherpa was arrested at his house in Bouddha for, “suspicious activities and possessing sophisticated communication equipment.” Nepali police held him for 24 hours before releasing him.
Image of the hotel courtesy of Soaltee Crowne Plaza
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