KATHMANDU: UCPN- Maoist aligned Newa Mukti Morcha (NMM) staged a sit-in on the road leading to Sital Niwas, the presidential residence at Maharajgunj on Friday. NMM was protesting President Dr Ram Baran Yadav's decision to retain Chief of Army Staff Rooknangud Katawal in office.

Defying the prohibitory order, Maoist cadres with banners and placards had staged the sit-in from 11am to 12 noon. Dozens of police personnel deployed to maintain law and order had prevented the demonstrators from advancing to the front of the presidential residence.

Vehicular movement had come to a standstill in and around TU Teaching Hospital area during the hour long protest.