They were staging a peaceful rally carrying placards that read “Nepal is only open for investment”, “Aid Slavery= Zero Prosperity,” “Lessons from Hati! No to Aid Addiction.”

As many as 23 activists affiliated to Bibeksheel Nepali , a political party, including chairman Ujjwal Thapa have been arrested for staging the protest. Govinda Narayn, from the legislative department of the youth-led party, said the police detained the activists shortly after the conference commenced this morning. ”We want to urge donors to not only provide aid but to invest in Nepal as well,” said Govinda Narayan, “ But police said this was not allowed and they had orders from above to make arrests."

23 friends In custody for asking goverment to prioritize on investment and say no to aid. When do we end our... http://t.co/M4aCtymAna

— Bibeksheel Nepali (@bibeksheelnp) June 25, 2015