KATHMANDU: Police detained more than 600 female Tibetan protesters, including many Buddhist nuns, on Sunday after breaking up several demonstrations in Nepal’s capital against China’s recent crackdown in Tibet.

The protesters held three separate rallies in Kathmandu but were quickly stopped by police.

Police official RP Dhamala said more than 600 protesters were being held in detention centres in Kathmandu.

It was the largest number of protesters detained on a single day since Tibetan exiles began almost daily protests in March against Chinese policies in Tibet. It was also the first time only women demonstrated.

The first group was stopped even before they could enter a street from an open area where they had gathered. Activists said they were planning a silent march to protest Chinese restrictions in Tibet, which police refused to allow.

“Just to create what is happening in Tibet we wanted to do a silent march here, a peaceful silent march,’’ said Doma Tsomo, who was among the protesters. “Unfortunately even before we could start police started arresting people.’’

A second group managed to enter the street but was quickly stopped by police and taken away in buses and trucks.