In response to a strike call by the 7-political-party alliance, Nepal was virtually shut down forcing it to defer its 57th Republic Day celebrations to Saturday. Shops, schools, colleges, offices, and institutions remained closed and streets deserted. The Royal Nepal Army claimed to have killed 24 Maoist terrorists but was able to recover one body. This sparked speculation that the army is doctoring data ahead of the Feb 8 polls for which only one nomination has been submitted. King Gnanendra insists on going ahead with his poll plan despite a boycott of major political parties and continued violence by Maoist terrorists.