Kathmandu: Maoists in Nepal today (Sep 10, 2004) forced closure of 35 major companies, including Indian joint ventures as embassies of India and eight other countries urged them to allow business activities of the firms to continue.

In a joint statement, foreign Embassies of nine countries asked Maoists to withdraw their threat of violence directed against the companies.

"The Maoists use of terror against the industry and workers to achieve political goals violates international norms," the statement issued by the British Embassy on behalf of the Industrial Security Group (ISG), comprising representatives from embassies of India, France, Germany, the USA and UK said.

The Maoists have issued a threat asking the 35 big companies including Sipradi Trading, dealer of Tata motors, Hotel Malla, Mayoj Noodles and Jyoti Group of Industries, to close down their business indefinitely from today.

"The ISG condemns the Maoist closure of companies through the use and threat of violence," the statement said adding these tactics "violate the human rights of the workers, hurt their families, and damage the economy of Nepal as well as the direct commercial interests of foreign investments in Nepal."

The longer the closure the more adverse impact it will have on Nepalese economy. In the interest of the people the Maoists should withdraw their threat of violence and should allow these businesses to operate separately, they said.

The Maoists had planted bombs in four out of the 35 companies in the last couple of days. Three bombs went off at Hotel Malla two days ago causing slight damage. However, the security forces have recovered three more bombs from the factories in the capital.

"All the thirty-five industries closed down their operation indefinitely from today due to lack of security," Rajendra Khetan the Vice-President of Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry said.

Twelve big industries including Indian joint venture Surya Nepal have already closed down their operation. The employment of some 25,000 employees has been threatened due to the closure.