The irate cadres called the strike from 2 this afternoon demanding the government release UCPN (M) cadres who were arrested in connection with the conflict-era murder case.

The agitators were demanding the release of Chabilal Poudel and Bhimsen Poudel, who were detained in connection with the 2004 murder case of Gorkha's Krishna Adhikari.

Krishna, then 19, was reportedly abducted from Bakulharachok in Ratnangar Municipality, Chitwan, in 2004 by the Maoist rebels and was subsequently killed.

Chitwan police on Sunday had filed charge-sheet against 13 individuals accused in the murder of Adhikari. The charge-sheet lodged at Chitwan District Court has sought life imprisonment with confiscation of entire property for the accused.

Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) central office bearers' meeting has decided to protest in Gorkha on Wednesday and launch nationwide strike on Thursday.