Security Information April 2005 Maoist blockades

Though the situation remains largely normal in Kathmandu, the Maoist imposed highway blockade across the country until April 12 seems to have disrupted the daily lives of commoners outside Kathmandu Valley. Vehicles have stayed off the East-West Highway. The Kathmandu-Pokhara and Chitwan-Mugling buses and trucks are being escorted up to Mugling by the security forces.

The six deaf Israeli tourists who were kidnapped by Maoist rebels several days ago have been set free, a local media reported. They were evacuated after one of the captured Israelis informed the Israeli Embassy to Nepal in Kathmandu. "Nothing has happened to them, but their situation is not normal," an Israeli official said.

Russian tourists were injured by a roadside blast set off by suspected Maoist rebels. The Russians were on a highway on their way to the base camp of Mount Everest. Two Nepalis died and 13 other people were wounded in the bombing of a bus by rebels in southern Nepal. The Russian government has deplored the Maoist attack on two of its citizens. Defying the Maoist blockade, the Russian tourists were wounded after their vehicle hit a landmine planted by Maoist rebels near Dolalghat , Sindhupalchowk district. The Russian Foreign Ministry urged its nationals not to visit Nepal.

It is advised to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, until the situation becomes clearer. Blockades and transport strikes should be respected by tourists. Defying the blockades is a risk for tourists as well as for local people. It is strongly reccommended to follow the instructions given by the security forces or the Maoists.