Half a dozen human rights activists, currently in detention in Lalitpur, have refused to accept 90-day detention order issued by the local authorities.

According to sources, rights activists including president of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) Charan Prasai, were asked to sign on detention orders issued by Kathmandu CDO Sushil Ghimire Thursday afternoon.

The order said they were detained for engaging in activities aimed at disturbing peace and security as well as sovereignty and integrity of the nation, among others.

Rights activists vehemently opposed to such allegations and said they would not sign on such detention orders as they had not taken part in any such activities at the first place, sources said.

Rights activists are being kept at Women’s Training Center (WTC), a civilian facility, at Jawalakhel. Rights groups have alleged that the royal government is violating law of the land by detaining people in civilian facilities.

Hundreds of pro-democracy activists, journalists and rights activists were arrested on Wednesday from Kathmandu and other parts of the country for protesting against the year-old royal takeover. Most of the journalists were later released.

Meanwhile, police have arrested noted rights activist and lawyer Gopal Shivakaoti “Chintan” from New Baneswore, Kathmandu Thursday afternoon.

He is also being kept at the WTC in Jawalakhel, according to reports.