Kathmandu, August 30:

Twenty Dalit rights activists were arrested from Babarmahal while they were trying to enter the prohibited southern gate of Singha Durbar during a rally today.

Seven protesters were injured when police baton-charged them. Those injured are Sahek Biswokarma, Ram Nepali, Shova BK, Gaura Nepali, Ashok Darnal, Kalawati Darnal and Binod Pahadi.

All the arrested protesters were released later in the evening.

Meanwhile, a group of Badi Rights Struggle Committee today gheraoed the CPN-UML central office at Madannagar in Balkhu for two hours and demanded that the party do something to have their demands met.

Minister of State for Health and Population Sashi Shrestha and women rights activists today visited Bankali near the Pashupatinath temple to express solidarity

with the Badi community. Over 400 people from the Badi community are taking shelter there. Minister Shrestha said she would take initiatives for talks between the government and the Badi community.