i got this news on the web..


For the most part, though, life appears normal in the capital, Katmandu.

Rebel demands for a general strike usually bring the country to a near shutdown, with residents staying home out of fear of reprisals by guerrillas. But while traffic was lighter than normal in this crowded city, cars still filled the streets and most shops were open.

"We'd heard something about a strike a few days back, but we haven't heard anything lately," said taxi driver Durga Poudel. "So that's why most of us are out on the streets."

While news was not available from the rest of the country, long-distance bus drivers said at least one highway -- the main road from Katmandu toward China -- had been blocked by the insurgents.

Despite the clampdown, a few small demonstrations sprang up on Thursday in Katmandu. Several groups of 20 or so protesters gathered to shout slogans protesting the king's power grab. They were quickly dispersed by baton-wielding police, and there were no reports of arrests.