The general strike, called by the Dahal-Nepal faction of the ruling Nepal Communist Party, crippled normal life in the country. Kathmandu Police arrested 80 protesters alone, involved in alleged arson and enforced closure in the valley, on Thursday.

The NCP faction, headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Nepal, had called the general strike on Thursday to oppose the government decision of administering the oath of office to newly appointed heads and members of constitutional bodies. They alleged the action was taken without a proper parliamentary hearing on the matter.

According to a report in The Himalayan Times, arson and violence were also reported in some places. Kathmandu Police said they have arrested 80 people, including some senior leaders and standing committee members of Dahal-Nepal NCP factions.

However, some leaders suggested the number of arrested leaders and protesters could be as high as 100.

Earlier, in an advisory, Nepal’s Home Ministry urged all sides not to resort to any kind of violence or disruptive activities. The ministry, however, beefed up the security arrangement around the capital.

Furthermore, the government has warned the legal actions would be initiated against those involved in activities of violence, arson, looting, and vandalism. Authorities claimed they have arrested people who were involved in these activities.