A Maoist-enforced anti-government general strike crippled life across Nepal today, with markets, educational institutions and businesses remaining close and supporters of the former rebels disrupting vehicular movement, leading to the arrest of at least 37 protesters.<br/><br/>This is the third strike called by the former rebels within a month, demanding restoration of "civilian supremacy" and rectification of President Ram Baran Yadav's move to reinstate the then army chief Rukmangad Katwal in May that had led to the fall of the Maoist Government<br/><br/>Maoist cadres also forced the Kalimati Vegetable and Fruits Market, the main supply centre of Kathmandu, not to operate.<br/><br/>On the first day of the three-day general strike, both private and public vehicles remained off roads and people were seen taking long walks to reach their offices. Over 16 vehicles were vandalised by protesters in Kathmandu and outside districts.<br/><br/>Schools, colleges, major markets and most of the factories remained closed and vehicular movement halted during the strike. However, police vans, tourist buses, ambulances and press vehicles were seen on roads amid tight security.<br/><br/>In Kathmandu, the police arrested at least two dozen people from the Pashupatinath temple area as they were trying to force the shops to close.<br/><br/>Agitators vandalised over a dozen vehicles in various places in Kathmandu for defying the strike.<br/><br/>