A GENERAL strike called by opposition parties crippled life in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu yesterday by shutting down schools, markets and transport.

An alliance of 30 opposition parties called the strike in protest at government plans to bring out a draft of the country’s new constitution next week without seeking their agreement.

Some 71 opposition activists who were trying to enforce the strike were detained, a police spokesman said.

Officers beat some protesters with bamboo batons as they were trying to stop a passenger bus defying the strike in Kathmandu.

Police claimed that activists attacked and vandalised seven buses and trucks but no serious injuries were reported.

It is common in Nepal for protesters to mob vehicles that defy strike calls.

Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 but political differences have left it without a constitution.

The constituent assembly, which was elected in 2013, had pledged to prepare the draft by January 22.