(Update)--Former minister of state for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Padam Rai and 15 other leaders from the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist were arrested on Friday for erecting a black flag at the residence of Radesh Pant, chief executive officer of Nepal Investment Board. Party politburo member Dharmendra Bastola said CPN Maoist politburo members Rai, Ishwori Dahal was arrested, while returning after erecting black flag at Pant's Maharagunj-based house. All the arrested have been sent to Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range Office, Hanumandhoka. "They have been arrested for forcefully barging into private premises and creating chaos," said, SSP Narayan Singh Khadka. Issuing a press statement, CPN Maoist General Secretary Chand has demanded the unconditional release of his cadres. Chand has further warned of launching protests if their cadres are not released soon. Terming the Power Development Agreement and Power Trade Agreement on Upper Karnali with an Indian company a treacherous act, Chand-led CPN Maoist has been protesting against the agreement. The party has said that they erected a black flag at Pant's residence as he signed the agreement from Nepal's side. Party leader Bastola said the party plans to erect a black flag at the residence of Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Minister for Energy Radha Gyawali soon.

(update)--- The Communist Party Maoist (CPN M) led by Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav) called off protest plans after police released 17 of their cadres who were arrested by police on 20 March while they were protesting at the residence the Chief Executing Officer of Nepal Investment Board. All the prescheduled protest plans including Nepal Banda (strike) have been called off as per the press release issued by the party on 24 March.