KATHMANDU: Police on Saturday arrested 31 human right activists who were staging protest in front of the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.

Those arrested include founder chair of Human Rights and Peace Society Nepal Krishna Pahadi, Chair Gangadhar Ahikari and adviser Hem Kanta Chaulagain.

They were released after being detained at Metropolitan Police Circle, Singha Durbar, for a couple of hours. The activists were arrested, saying protest activities were not allowed in the area.

Right activists have been protesting the government’s declaration of prohibited zones. They have demanded that the government address the demands of Dr Govinda KC.

“Apart from regular demands, we demand that the government be accountable to public and respect their freedom of expression,” said HURPES chair Adhikari.