Nearly four dozen people, including leading human rights activists, were arrested by police in Nepal on Tuesday for defying prohibitory orders and protesting against President Ram Baran Yadav for reinstating the army chief sacked by the government.

Civil society leaders, who had played a prominent role during the pro-democracy movement in 2006 that led to the ouster of King Gyanendra's army-backed regime, were arrested for trying to stage a sit-in before Shital Niwas, the official residence and office of the president, where all rallies and demonstrations have been banned since Monday.