Kathmandu, Oct 14: Nepal Police has deployed more than 50,000 personnel nationwide under a special security plan for Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and other festivals, with drones and trained dogs also being used for surveillance.
Central police spokesperson DIG Abinarayan Kafle said the plan aims to protect lives and property while respecting people’s freedoms and religious and cultural beliefs. It also prioritises the safety and rights of women, children, people with disabilities and senior citizens.
Police said the plan addresses possible riots, looting and other incidents at religious and cultural events, including the risk of unrest in one location spreading elsewhere.
The security strategy also takes into account a possible rise in fraud, theft, robbery, gambling, online scams, betting, counterfeit currency transactions and illegal hundi money transfers during the festival season.
Police said special arrangements have been made at open border crossings to curb the smuggling of illegal weapons, firecrackers, explosives and drugs.
According to Kafle, 50,458 personnel will be deployed through the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari and police offices in all seven provinces.
The deployment comprises 7,668 personnel in Kathmandu Valley, 8,133 in Koshi, 7,230 in Madhesh, 4,499 in Bagmati, 5,188 in Gandaki, 7,921 in Lumbini, 5,314 in Karnali and 4,505 in Sudurpaschim.
Police will maintain coordination with local communities, businesses, transport operators, banks, financial institutions and other relevant bodies, giving priority to cooperation between citizens and police.
Kafle said technology would play a greater role in festival surveillance. With passenger numbers rising on long-distance public transport, police have also set up assistance desks to support travellers and improve highway safety.
Before vehicles leave Kathmandu Valley, police will check drivers’ licences, screen drivers for alcohol and drug use, and ensure vehicles are not carrying passengers beyond their seating capacity. They will use the Traffic Communication App to check whether long-distance vehicles have two drivers and inspect certificates confirming that vehicles have undergone mechanical tests.
Police have established 408 passenger assistance desks nationwide, staffed by 1,165 personnel from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office and the seven provincial police offices.
Another 705 personnel have been deployed at help desks at 108 international border locations.
The desks will provide information and assistance, help coordinate cases involving missing or found people and belongings, and offer additional support to women, children and senior citizens. They will forward passenger complaints to the relevant police offices and gather information on suspicious activity so officers can respond as needed.
Police will use CCTV cameras, cameras worn by officers, drones and trained dogs, alongside real-time information sharing through police communication systems. They will also monitor social media and analyse digital information to guide deployments.
Police have urged the public never to disclose one-time passwords, PINs, passwords or other confidential information when asked. They warned of fake online shopping offers, fraudulent gift promotions, banking scams and phishing attempts during the festivals.
Security deployments will focus on banks and financial institutions, bus parks and public transport hubs, airports, religious and tourist sites, entertainment venues, major roads and intersections, city entry and exit points, and areas where gold, silver and other valuables are traded.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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