Monday, September 5 2005 16:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Pro-democracy activists, including Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, arrested during a protest rally by the seven-party alliance in the Nepalese capital have been released, the royal government said today (Sept 5, 2005).

All 71 protestors, who were arrested while proceeding towards the main city centre shouting anti-King slogans, have been released, an official release said. Former Prime Minister Koirala and some other leaders were released last evening while the rest were released this morning, it said.

"Among those arrested, 56 were from Nepali Congress, five from NC (Democratic), seven from Communist Party of Nepal-UML, one each from NSU(A), Samyukta Bam Morcha and Samyukta Jana Morcha-Nepal," it added.

However, the political parties have alleged that more than 150 protestors were arrested yesterday during the rally organised by the seven-party alliance, which is spearheading a campaign against King Gyanendra for restoration of democracy and civil rights in the Himalayan Kingdom.