Saturday, February 19 2005 19:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Over a hundred activists of Opposition parties in Nepal have been arrested after they staged anti-Government demonstrations across the country demanding an end to the authoritarian regime of King Gyanendra.

Those arrested include activists of the Nepali Congress, Nepal Sadbhavna Party-UML and Janmorcha Nepal, party sources said.

The activists demanding restoration of multi-party rule on the 55th Democracy Day were arrested yesterday (Feb 18, 2005) and included 40 from Kathmandu, 15 from Pokhara, 10 from Dhangadhi, 37 from Dhanushaand nine from Dipayal, they said.

Former Parliament Members Mina Pandey, Haribhakta Adhikari and Mukti Prasad Sharma belonging to the Nepali Congress were some of the prominent leaders to be taken into custody.

Four CPN-UML workers were also arrested while distributing pamphlets demanding restoration of fundamental rights and democracy at Ason, UML party sources said.

Heavy security has been mobilized in Kathmandu and various other districts to prevent the agitators from taking out demonstrations. The Government also cut telephone lines in various districts, including capital Kathmandu, yesterday.

Meanwhile, a section of journalists, including foreign media representatives and Opposition party leaders boycotted the 55th Democracy Day reception hosted by chairman of Royal Council Parshunarayan Chaudhari in Sheetalniwas in Kathmandu today (Feb 19, 2005), where King Gyanendra was the chief guest.