Nepal in anti-Maoist protests

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All commercial activities in Kathmandu remained suspended as Nepal's business community declared an indefinite strike against the Maoists.

They accuse the former rebels of violence and intimidation, including a recent assault on a hotel owner.

This comes as the Maoists negotiate to take a role in forming an interim government.

Nepal has only recently emerged from a decade long civil war fought between government and Maoist forces.

The chambers of commerce and the confederation of industries in Kathmandu says it is the Maoist's bad behaviour that has prompted them to begin this protest.

The communist group formally ended its insurrection last November.

But there have been a string of reports linking them to extortion and violence, or threats of violence, against citizens including other party workers, ordinary villagers and businessmen.

The most recent incident involves a hotel owner.

Last straw

Harilal Shrestha, proprietor of a central Kathmandu hotel, told journalists that a number of Maoists abducted him on Sunday, blindfolded him, beat him with iron pipes and scalded him with hot water.

Mr Shrestha, who had a black eye and swollen lips, said it happened when he refused to pay the Maoists some $140,000.

The Maoist spokesman, Krishna Mahara, told the BBC his party was completely against such acts and was ready to investigate whether Maoists were responsible and punish them if necessary.

He said he believed the incident involved non-Maoist workers.

But he added that a 10-year rebellion could not be removed "100% at once".

Industry spokesmen, however, said this was the last straw after a number of such acts by the Maoists.

Internet service providers also halted their services for an hour, saying the government had failed to curb what they called the Maoists' vicious activities.

The government and the Maoists have for days been locked in talks about forming an interim government including the former rebels.

Reports say they've been arguing about ministerial portfolios.

Nepal is expected to form an interim government with Maoist members before elections in June 2007.