Four APF DIGs set to retire, government proposes tenure extension

Kathmandu, December 30 — A proposal has been made to extend the tenure of four DIGs (Deputy Inspectors General) of the Armed Police Force, who are set to retire due to the end of their term.

The DIGs—Kamal Giri, Ganesh Thada Magar, Kul Bahadur Nembang, and Shambhu Subedi—are being considered for an extension, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The official stated, “We have submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to extend the tenure of these four DIGs.”

As per the Armed Police Force Regulations of 2015, the tenure for a DIG is four years, with a provision to extend it by one year if the government deems necessary. If the Cabinet does not approve the extension, these officers will retire on January 7.

Kamal Giri, whose tenure extension is being proposed, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Armed Police Force Training Academy.

Ganesh Thada Magar is the head of the number-3 Battalion in Bagmati Province, Kulbahadur Nembang is in charge of the number-4 Battalion in Gandaki Province, and Shambhu Subedi leads the number-1 Battalion in Koshi Province.

However, some senior officials within the Armed Police are dissatisfied, accusing these officers of engaging in political lobbying and manipulation through intermediaries to secure an extension.

There are also allegations that these officers are attempting to manipulate the system for their own ambitions, especially if a new bill is registered in Parliament, which could open the path for them to become IGP (Inspector General of Police) or AIG (Additional Inspector General).

According to the Armed Police Force Regulations of 2015, the government can extend a DIG's term by one year if deemed necessary after they complete their four-year tenure. The officers are accused of running in the race to secure an extension, which some argue could undermine future leadership.