Maoist threats have once more shut down the joint venture Unilever Nepal plant in Hetauda from Thursday. The Maoist-affiliated trade union had given Unilever a deadline to reinstate sacked workers and a 15-point list of demands to improve conditions. Unilever said since the demands couldn't be met, the plant was being closed to ensure the safety of its workforce. Non-Maoist trade unions had appealed to the government to intervene and called on the Maoists not to carry through on their threat. FNCCI on Wednedsay appealed to the Maoists not to shut down the plant that employs 200 people and supports a host of downstream industries. Unilever is owned 80 percent by Hindustran Lever of India and the rest is spread among Nepali investors. Insiders told us the Maoist threat was "extortion plain and simple". Local businessmen confirmed the Maoist threats were related to annual Maoist "donations". Unilever is reported to have sent its response to the Maoists but there hasn't been a reaction yet from the rebels. (Santosh Neupane/Hetauda)