Police on Monday arrested rights activists and leaders of the civil society protesting the KP Sharma Oli government’s move to dissolve the House of Representatives.

On Sunday President Bidya Devi Bhandari had endorsed the Oli government’s recommendation for the dissolution of the House.

The protesters were staging a demonstration at the southern gate of Singha Durbar when the police intervened and detained them.

“We arrested 16 demonstrators who were protesting at a prohibited area,” said Nepal Police Spokesperson SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, “They are currently being held at Bhrikutimandap-based Nepal Police Club.”

Chairman of the Human Rights and Peace Society Uttam Pudasaini, civil society leader Krishna Pahadi and Human Rights activist Krishna Kandel are among the arrested.

The rights activists have termed the Oli government move unconstitutional declaring that the House dissolution is the greatest contempt of democracy.

Protests had erupted in various parts of the country including the Capital, against the government’s move. Youths associated with the ruling party, as well as the opposition had taken out protest rallies terming the move unconstitutional.