KATHMANDU: As many as 1,170 persons have been arrested for violating the prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday.

According to SSP Sushil Kumar Yadav, Spokesperson of the Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari, they have been detained for at least two hours and released.

“We have held the violators for at least two hours and released them,” said SSP Yadav, “So far, 437 people have been detained in Kathmandu, 498 in Lalitpur and 235 in Bhaktapur.”

Similarly, according to the Metropolitan Traffic Police, 893 vehicles have been taken under control. There are 698 two-wheelers and 195 four-wheelers impounded from three districts, said SP Bamdev Gautam.

He said that discussions are underway on how to release these vehicles.

“We have not released yet. We are discussing with the local administration,” said SP Gautam.

A huge number of security personnel have been stationed at major thoroughfares in the capital to implement the prohibitory order since early morning.

People have been urged to stay indoors except for essential activities. The government has warned that those who violate the order will be penalized in line with the Infectious Disease Control Act, 1964 and Local Administration Act, 1971.

District administration offices of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur jointly imposed the prohibitory order in the capital for a week starting Wednesday midnight. It will remain effective until August 26.