Students take out torch rally in Kathmandu

Carrying torches in their hands, dozens of students marched on the streets of Kathmandu Saturday evening in protest of the detention of student leaders including Nepal Students Union (NSU) leader Gagan Thapa.

The torch rally organized by the NSU began form Chabahil and concluded at Maiti Devi. The protesters chanted slogans against the government, demanding immediate release of their detained leaders.

The protesters managed to carry out the rally despite considerable security presence. No arrests were made.

Eight student unions have been carrying out angry protests in Kathmandu after Thapa’s arrest on Wednesday.

Thapa, former general secretary of the NSU, was picked up by plainclothes policemen Wednesday morning from Anam Nagar when he was returning to his home after meeting student leaders detained at Anam Nagar Police Office.

Accusing him of sloganeering against the institution of monarchy, the authorities are preparing to file a court case against him under the Offence Against the State Act. There are around half a dozen other student leaders, including NSU vice-president Pradeep Poudel, in government custody at the moment. nepalnews.com mbk July 30 05

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