Kathmandu: Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday instructed paramilitary forces to maintain high alertness while performing their duty and ensure proper security arrangements during the March 5 general elections.
Addressing a function organised by the Armed Police Force (APF), the paramilitary forces of Nepal in Kathmandu to mark its 25th anniversary, Karki said that security agencies should ensure that “not even a drop of blood falls nor anyone gets injured” during elections.
She also appreciated the effective role played by the APF for conducting elections in the past in a free, fair, and fearless manner.
Expressing confidence in the force, Karki said the army had successfully carried out such responsibilities in the past and would do so again by maintaining security during the electoral process.
“I urge the Army to move ahead along with a clear action plan to create an environment to ensure security to the people, to facilitate, support and secure police operations as well as allow all political parties to organise political activities without any hindrance,” she said.
Karki also instructed the army to coordinate closely with all security agencies, including the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, taking into account past election experiences and the sensitivities surrounding the upcoming polls.
She directed the army to work with other agencies to maintain peace and security, recover looted weapons and arrest prisoners who escaped during the Gen Z protests.
Army officials briefed the Prime Minister on the current security situation, major challenges and future plans, the PM’s Secretariat said.
A presentation was also made on the army’s security mobilisation model for the elections.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
