Maoist claims that the government was importing a huge cache of arms and ammunition gave the rebels an embarrassing moment today when party spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara denied to Himalkhabar.com that his party was behind today's protest and strikes and instead gave the opinion that it could have been spontaneous acts by the public while Chairman Prachanda made a statement in the evening calling back the same nationwide transport strike against the alleged import.

Maoist supporters had burnt tyres and blocked roads in the capital as well as in other parts of the country today against the alleged import. Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula informed the parliament today that vehicles in question that were carrying the alleged arms were only meant to transport soldiers headed for the UN peace keeping mission in Lebanon and were part of the logistical support. The ceasefire monitoring committee had earlier conducted an investigation and concluded that the vehicles didn't carry any arms. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu had also come out with a statement saying allegations that arms had been allowed to come through to Nepal were completely baseless. Maoist leader Prachanda however has said that the government's clarification was "manufactured."

Maoist supporters burnt tyres in the middle of roads throughout the capital in the morning while the Nepal Women's Organisation - Revolutionary held its 5th general convention in Khula Manch in front of Bir Hospital later in the afternoon. Maoist women's leaders Hisila Yami, Pampha Bhusal, and Jayapuri Gharti were among those who spoke in front of crowds that had been brought in from around the valley.