KATHMANDU, Feb 29: The police have removed the rope barrier installed on the footpaths encircling Singha Durbar, Baluwatar and Federal Parliament House in Baneshwar.

After widespread criticism, the police removed the rope from these areas on Wednesday evening.

According to security officials, although the rope was put up for a short time to strengthen security as there were large gatherings amidst ongoing protests, it has now been removed observing public discomfort on the streets.

On Monday, a group of microfinance victims breached security and entered the parliament building in Baneshwar. Soon after, 32 policemen assigned to the security of the parliament building were removed from their duties, and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha called an emergency meeting of the security chiefs.

Then the police stopped people from walking on the footpaths in the above-mentioned areas by hanging ropes on the footpaths of Singha Durbar, Baluwatar and other areas, citing a decision of the security agencies.