Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – The streets in Nepal's main cities are deserted: from today, the Maoist rebels have called a three -week road blockade, the umpteenth initiative to put pressure on King who seized all power a year ago. The blockade risks annoying the people, who today intended to celebrate the significant Hindu festival of Holi (festival of the colours) by going to friends and relatives.

The Maoists, who are struggling to overthrow the monarchy and install a Communist republic, ordered the closure of all streets leading to Kathmandu and other main cities. In the capital, where around 1000 heavy vehicles usually enter and leave each day, only a few vehicles could be seen in the early morning. People are afraid to go out, despite the heavy presence of security forces in key positions.

Mohan Choudhary, a taxi driver, told AsiaNews: "Thousands of people won't be able to return home today, to celebrate Holi with their families." He himself was blocked in Kathmandu and would be unable to return to his dear ones in a remote southern village. "No one wants to take the risk: the Maoists often put mines along the road."

Ajay Mishra, a university student, said: "It is a tragedy that Maoists have slapped the blockade during our Holi festival. This is playing with the sentiments and culture of the ordinary people. It's counterproductive for the Maoists themselves, who thus are alienating people from their struggle against the monarchy."

The Maoist leader, Prachanda, invited the people to "support" the blockade as part of the "decisive battle" against the king. Opposition parties, meanwhile, called for it to be cancelled, because "it is adding to the suffering of the people."

Holi is a festival with little religious significance and it is marked by both Hindus and Buddhists. "It is the feast of spring, of the new harvest," said one Hindu boy. "Sweets are prepared and one celebrates with friends from all religions."