Kathmandu: As the general strike called by Maoists entered its third day, Nepalese security forces on November 13 shot dead a rebel who tried to plant a bomb at the house of a top advisor to King Gyanendra here.

The security personnel, guarding the residence of 'Raj Parishad' standing committee chairman Keshar Jung Rayamajhi at Baluwatar in Kathmandu, opened fire at the rebel when he tried to explode a bomb at the main gate of the house, a source at Army Headquarters said.

The bomb was later defused by security forces. The attack came on the third day of Maoists' strike, who have been trying to topple the monarchy since 1996.

The general strike was more or less peaceful in the Kathmandu valley, which looked deserted with vehicles off the road and shops at major markets remained closed.

Security at key government buildings has been stepped up across the country and armed soldiers and police patrolled the streets.

PTI