Hotel Soltee Crowne Plaza has shut down indefinitely
following multiple bomb attack by suspected Maoist rebels.
The blasts come on the eve of the Maoist call for closure of about a dozen industries, including Soltee
Crown Plaza. The hotel has earlier insisted it would remain open despite the Maoist threat. However, a statement issued
by the hotel management late Monday evening said the hotel was shutting down due to security reasons. The hotel management
has also accused the government of failing to resolve the crisis despite request from the hotel and other industries.
“ Attempts by trade organizations and human rights organizations to engaged the present government
to address the matter did not yield any result,” the statement said.
The hotel also started evacuating guests. Earlier Monday evening suspected Maoists exploded four
bombs targeting the hotel.
Correspondent reports that the attackers hurled four bombs inside the hotel compound from the adjoining
road. Police say the bombs cause little damage and was aimed more at causing panic rather than damage.
All explosions occurred within minutes of each other.
Security has been tightened around the area following the blast. Soltee Hotel is one of the businesses
targeted by the Maoist Trade Union. (rk)
