26 Dead, 35 Wounded: Protests in Nepal Heat Up, Everest Expeditions Wonder What Now?

Security Forces in Nepal have been put on high alert after a fierce gun battle broke out yesterday between former communist rebels and ethnic rights activists–leaving 26 people dead and 35 wounded.

This is coming on the heals of massive city-wide strikes by business owners in Nepal frustrated over the inactions of their government over Maoist activities.

A city-wide curfew was imposed in Gaur after Maoist supporters and members of the Madeshi People’s Rights Forum clashed Wednesday.  Gaur is situated about 100 miles south of Kathmandu.

On Wednesday, activists from both organizations decided to converge and hold a rally in the same area of Gaur.  It quickly escalated from small arguments to gunshots being fired.

All of the people killed in yesterdays altercation were reportedly Maoist backers.  It is unclear at this time who escalated the altercation with each side laying claim that the other started it.

You may read more about this by clicking HERE for the Associated Press’ complete story.

As I reported yesterday, along the same lines, The city-wide strikes taking place across Nepal have virtually shut the city down to citizens and tourists alike.

Everest Expeditions to take place in 2007 were slowly starting to arrive in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas to begin to get ready for the upcoming climbing season.

Some of these incoming Expedition parties have either had to begin a little bit earlier than usual to make their destination, or bunker down until the airports and other businesses of need are reopened.

I will try to keep you updated on the events taking place in Nepal as more news becomes available–

With the Everest season starting to draw in close, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out and whether or not the protests will cease once the Nepalese tourist season comes in full force.