Chanting revolutionary slogans and songs, thousands of Maoist supporters took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday. All shops, schools and offices were shut down as part of a nationwide strike and vehicles stayed off the roads across the country. Some of the protesters carried bamboo sticks, but the rallies have so far been peaceful. The authorities have deployed thousands of police in riot gear to maintain order.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which has the largest number of seats in parliament, is demanding the resignation of the ruling coalition. They want to see a new Maoist-led government in its place. The Maoists say the strike will continue unless their demands are met.

More than 100,000 Maoist demonstrators rallied in Kathmandu on Saturday to protest against the current government, which comprises a loose alliance of 22 political parties.

Calls for new constitution

The Maoists blame the government for failing to draft the new constitution. "It is no pleasure to call this strike. It is compulsion for peace and a new constitution," said Maoist leader Prachanda.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has refused to step down and said that the strike was not the way to find a solution to the impasse. He has called on the Maoists to hold a dialogue.

Nepal's lawmakers have until May 28 to complete a new constitution. They are also supposed to reach an agreement over the future of some 19,000 former Maoists guerrilla fighters, currently living in camps monitored by the UN. But many think they are unlikely to meet the deadline.

Lasting peace

Analysts say the new constitution is crucial for a lasting peace between the former rebels and the government. The Maoists fought a decade old civil war that claimed at least 16,000 lives, before signing a peace agreement in 2006.

They secured a surprise victory in the elections in 2008 and led a coalition government. But the government fell last year after the president overruled the Maoists' attempt to sack the army chief.

du/AFP/Reuters/AP

Editor: Grahame Lucas