As the first day of general strike called by the seven party alliance kicked off several places in the capital witnessed demonstrations and arrests. OHCHR confirmed over 166 arrests today and over 216 in the last two days. Of those arrested today were Nepali Congress (NC) Central Committee member Sujata Koirala, CPN (UML) Central Committee member Bidya Bhandari, Jeevan Ghimire and Hari Maya Bhetwal. The detained are being held at ward police offices in Bauddha and Gaushala. OHCHR teams have been monitoring demonstrations in different parts of Kathmandu in order to document rights abuses.

Similarly CPN (UML) former parliamentarians Mohan Chandra Adhikary and Jagrit Prasad Bhetwal, Najir Miya, Tika Ram Rijal, Bijaya Subedi, Gokul Subedi of NC and Shesh Kanta Aryal have also been arrested. OHCHR confirms that 30 political leaders and academics have also been put under house arrest.

Demonstrations were also staged at Balaju and Gongabu Chok but no arrests were reported. Of those arrested 80 have been given 90-day order under Public Security Act. OHCHR monitoring team confirmed violent clashes took place in the Tribhuvan University Boys Hostel in Kirtipur.

Security was tight in the capital on Thursday. The strike affected normal life as businesses and offices were closed and streets remained empty.