25 activists briefly detained for protesting in Nepal

Over two dozen human rights activists were briefly detained today in Nepal for protesting against various government policies and demanding major changes in the country's health and education sectors.

Noted rights activist Krishna Pahadi, Gangadhar Adhikari and Renuka Paudel were among 25 protestors detained from Singhdurbar complex, a restricted area, soon after they started the protest, police said.

They were kept in custody at the Metropolitan Police Circle in Singhadarbar for a few hours and released in the evening, they said.

Before getting detained, the activists holding placards had demanded that the government take initiatives to save the life of senior medical doctor Govinda K C who has been on fast unto death since the last two weeks.

Govinda demands reforms in medical sector and opening of hospitals in remote areas of the country instead of concentrating medical facilities in the capital city Kathmandu.

The activists also demanded an end to exploitation in the education sector and scrap decisions affecting people's right to freedom.

They accused the government of making decisions that affect the basic rights and freedom of people and protecting violent and criminal activities prevailing in the society.