Kathmandu, April 7: The Home Ministry has said the nationwide general strike enforced by the UCPN (Maoist) led 30-party alliance remained relatively peaceful on Tuesday. In a statement issued in the evening, the Home Ministry said the market remained partially open with scant operation of short-route vehicles. The long-route vehicles were escorted by the security to their destinations. During the strike, agitators vandalized 17 vehicles, torched three. Government properties were also damaged in Mechi Municipality and Land Reform office, Mechi. The police detained 50 persons enforcing the strike and vandalizing properties, added the Ministry.

At least six security personnel and five agitators were injured during scuffles between the security and demonstrators at various locations.

The Home Ministry has appealed to the concerned to put an end to forceful imposition of general strikes, vandalism of government properties and activities destabilizing general life of public citing them as 'illegal activities'.

The vandals and other perpetrators would be meted out strict action, the Ministry said, adding that the security plan was put in place with coordination between various security bodies.

The people are urged to open their industry, businesses, factories and transport services without fear and inform the nearest police station in case of danger.