Nepal Police has deployed additional security forces to ward off possible street protests and violation of restriction order in the Kathmandu Valley.
Nepal Police Headquarters in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari, has been deploying 3,500 security personnel for the purpose of implementing the prohibition order in the valley and more than 5,000 across the country.
With the latest political development in the country, Nepal Police has been instructed to deploy additional security forces to control possible street protests by the opposition political parties and students against the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Considering possible unwanted street protests, the Nepal Police, upon the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, has deployed around 2,500 more security staff in the valley, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and spokesperson for Nepal Police Headquarters, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar.
On Sunday, a student leader of the Nepal Students’ Union was arrested on the charge of protesting against the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Home Secretary Maheswor Neupane, directing the security chiefs of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, and National Investigation Department, on Saturday evening instructed to deploy additional security forces to implement the prohibition order strictly and take action as per the latest ordinance regarding COVID-19 Crisis Management.
The ordinance has come into effect on Saturday after the government published it in Nepal Gazette. Similarly, if anyone obstructs carrying out any work or implement the prohibition order as per the ordinance, the ordinance has provisioned imprisonment for one year or a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 or both.
The ordinance stipulates imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to Rs. 300,000 or both for non-compliance of the prohibition criteria. Security personnel is authorised to fine Rs. 200 each time to the public if they move around in a public place without wearing a mask.
Joint Secretary and spokesperson for Ministry of Home Affairs Janak Raj Dahal said the meeting with security chiefs held on Saturday reviewed the countrywide restrictions and steps taken against COVID-19 infection and gave further instructions to Nepal Police and 77 District Administration Offices to leave no stone unturned while implementing the restriction order.
After the meeting, the Home Ministry issued a circular to all 77 Chief District Officers and all three security agencies instructing them to avert crowds at any cost.
Superintendent of Police Sushil Singh Rathour and spokesperson for Metropolitan Police Office said they have already increased vigil against any unwanted activity that may be held in the valley.
As per the COVI-19 restriction order issued by the CDO of the valley, it has prohibited the gathering of more than 10 people in public places.
Source : THE RISING NEPAL,
