Friday, September 2 2005 13:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Unilever Nepal Ltd, an Indian joint venture, today (Sept 2, 2005) resumed operations at its factory in central Nepal after Maoist rebels withdrew their threats and a fortnight-long strike.

Unilever Nepal has started operations at its factory located at Hetauda after a gap of two weeks after threats issued against functioning of the unit were withdrawn, a company official told sources in Kathmandu.

The company, a subsidiary of Hindustan Lever, had suspended operations on August 16 after a Maoist-backed trade union submitted a 15-point demand and threatened to close down the factory if they were not met.

The All Nepal Trade Union (Revolutionary), the Maoist affiliated workers' body, yesterday (Sept 1, 2005) called off the strike after talks with company officials here.

A statement issued by the union after the talks said the company management has agreed to consider some of its demands and in view of the promise it has decided to call off the agitation.

Earlier in 2004, the Maoists had exploded three bombs at the factory without prior warning causing a huge damage.

Consumer goods maker Unilever has directly employed 2,000 people in the Himalayan Kingdom and its shares are floated to 1,500 Nepalese people.