On Tuesday, the Maoist party accused the government of trying to suppress the protests and threatened to intensify the strikes. On day four of the banda on Wednesday, things are beginning to look pretty tense.
In Butwal, Maoist protesters captured the municipality office building. After planting the party flag in the building, they told the government officials that they would have to work according to the instructions given by the Maoists.
In Bhaktapur, gunshots were heard during a clash between Maoist protesters and anti-banda protesters led by UML-affiliated Youth Force. The Maoist party claims Youth Force supporters fired the bullets. Youth Force has accused the Maoists of firing. No one was hurt.
In Dhankuta, 15 policemen suffered minor injuries while trying to separate Maoist protestors and Youth Force supporters during the clash. Two protesters were hurt.
A Maoist party member was hurt in Humla during clash between Maoist supporters and the UML and Nepali Congress party members.
UPDATE: The police have taken charge of the municipality office in Butwal captured by the Maoists Wednesday afternoon.