Kathmandu, Nepal (BBN)- The United Nations human rights representative in Nepal has voiced concern about the rising violence and intimidation in the South Asian nation, which is in the midst of an extended strike, or bandh, organized by the Maoists amid a political stand-off with the government.

“As the bandh continues and tensions escalate, OHCHR [Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights] monitors on the ground are urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” Richard Bennett, OHCHR’s Representative in Nepal, told reporters in the capital, Kathmandu on Friday.

The strike, which started on Sunday following peaceful May Day protests, has increased tensions between demonstrators and the local population. It is the latest development in the peace process in Nepal, which endured a decade-long civil war that ended with the signing of a peace accord between the government and the Maoists in 2006.

OHCHR has 21 monitoring teams across the country to observe, as well as liaise with national and local human rights defenders, security forces and demonstration organizers. If required, the teams also attempt to prevent violent incidents.

Monitors have reported heightened frustrations in Kathmandu, and violence in the central, western, mid-western and eastern regions. There are also increased reports of the use of weapons, such as laathis, or sticks, and metal bars. Curfews have been imposed in at least three districts, the UN said.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-08May10-11:43 pm (BST)