Nepal Police Chief Assures Tight Security for Upcoming Federal Parliament Elections

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has stated that nationwide security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure the upcoming House of Representatives election in 2082 is conducted in a peaceful and fear-free environment.

While providing information on election security management, he warned that strict force would be used against anyone attempting to disrupt the election or engage in unruly activities.

Karki informed that an integrated security plan, involving the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department, operating under the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been effectively implemented for election security.  

According to him, all four security agencies are currently working jointly, collecting and analyzing information from their respective locations, and assessing potential challenges. He stated that all necessary security arrangements for conducting the election have been made, and security personnel have reached all polling centers across the country.

Speaking about security and personnel management in the Himalayan and high hill districts, IGP Karki clarified that coordination is being maintained with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Although there is no immediate major possibility of snowfall, he mentioned that special attention is being paid to the health and logistics of personnel and security forces deployed in areas experiencing extreme cold. He also informed that helicopters have been arranged to transport election materials, staff, and security personnel to remote areas requiring long treks or experiencing severe cold.

Addressing the election's silence period, he emphasized that political parties, candidates, and all concerned parties must fully adhere to the code of conduct during this time. He warned that anyone misusing social media to spread misleading information or engaging in activities contrary to the code of conduct during the silence period would be immediately brought under the purview of the law. He stated that security agencies are closely monitoring such activities and legal action will be initiated against violators in an integrated manner.

Karki clarified that security arrangements on election day will be extremely tight, and no one engaging in any undesirable activity will be spared. He stated that security personnel deployed at polling centers have been given the authority to use legal force immediately if anyone attempts to intimidate, instill fear, or capture a booth.  

Stating that overall district security management will be under the leadership of the Chief District Officer, he informed that Nepal Police will form the first cordon around the polling centers. He mentioned that arrangements are in place for the swift mobilization of the Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army for immediate assistance if the situation becomes critical in any location. He added that security personnel are fully prepared to neutralize groups intending to disrupt the election and cause the cancellation of booths.

Appealing to the general voters, IGP Karki urged everyone to participate fearlessly in the voting process, disregarding any fear, terror, or threats. He requested all citizens to exercise their valuable right to vote, assuring them that a fully reliable environment has been created for voters to travel from their homes to the polling centers and return safely after casting their votes.