|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 18 August 2004 |
 |
|
 |
World | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Guests leave Nepal hotel after bomb attacks KATHMANDU, Tuesday (Reuters) Tourists moved out of a luxury hotel in Nepal on Tuesday, a day after a bomb attack blamed on Maoist rebels, while a leading tobacco firm also prepared to shut down in the face of rebel threats. A cyclist threw four bombs into the compound of the popular 283-room Soaltee Crowne Plaza hotel on Monday. The bombs landed close to the tennis court, but caused no injuries. The attack came on the eve of a deadline by Maoist rebels to shut down 10 companies, including the country's oldest luxury hotel and a leading tobacco firm, accusing them of unfair labour practices. The hotel, managed by a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of Britain's InterContinental Hotels Group, had earlier refused to bow to the rebel threats, but said it had no choice but to close its doors after the attack. "We have already moved many guests to other hotels in Kathmandu," a hotel official said. "Those who are still in the hotel will be shifted this morning." There were no claims of responsibility for Monday's attack but officials blamed Maoist rebels, whose eight-year insurgency - aimed at toppling the monarchy and setting up a communist state - has cost more than 10,000 lives. The rebels have threatened to blockade Kathmandu and prevent food and other supplies reaching the hill-ringed capital from Wednesday unless the government gives in to a series of demands. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
