Opposition strike shuts down Nepal: Protesters, police clash

A nationwide general strike enforced by opposition political parties has crippled life in Nepal, as protesters clashed with police and set vehicles on fire in the capital. [caption id=“attachment_2187579” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Nepal Protests. AP[/caption] The alliance of 30 opposition parties is demanding the Himalayan nation’s new constitution draft be passed by a national consensus. The ruling coalition has been attempting to get the draft approved through a vote in parliament after negotiations failed with the opposition. Protesters and police clashed in Kathmandu, the capital, on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day strike. Riot police fired tear gas shells, while the protesters retaliated by throwing stones. The demonstrators also set a taxi and a motorcycle on fire. Schools were closed and markets shuttered across Nepal. Highways were deserted, with protesters allowing only emergency vehicles on the roads. AP