Kathmandu, Feb. 8 -- Millions of students-from pre-primary to university level-were affected on Thursday as most of the academic institutions remained closed due to a strike called by the student wing of the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist, demanding release of its leader.

The All Nepal National Independent Students' Union (Revolutionary) said it resorted to the closure of the schools and colleges to pressure the government to release its treasurer Narendra Bishwokarma.

He was arrested by the Biratnagar police with arms on January 30 while he was on his way to the Capital. This is the sixth strike in the current academic session by the union.

The academic institutions remained closed on May 4-5 last year following its strike in the e...