By Dev Bahadur Kunwar, Kathmandu, Oct. 16: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has lauded the role of Nepal Police in maintaining security, law and order, crime investigation and peace in the country despite having minimal resources.

Addressing a special function organized at the Nepal Police Headquarters on Friday to mark the 65th Nepal Police Day Prime Minister Oli pointed at the need of being still more vigilant for the Nepal police to prevent criminal activities as they were growing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Talking about the fact that crime has broken down the geographical walls, the Prime Minister said that Nepal Police is always ready for providing security to the citizens despite the minimal resources, which itself is a praiseworthy work.

The PM mentioned that some groups and individuals were engaged in unconstitutional acts and he viewed that extremist and unconstitutional activities should be curbed as per the rule of law.

He said that strict laws against criminal offences such as rape and acid attack would be enacted.

In reference to former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai's remarks about top leaders taking bride in relation to the Budhigandaki project a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Oli objected to it by saying that it was irresponsible and misleading expression.

It is irresponsible expression to blame others for sharing bribe when no decision has been made to make the project, said the PM

He also said that the government has made all the state bodies transparent and accountable by adopting a zero tolerance strategy on corruption.

Ram Bahadur Thapa, Home Minister, said that it was unfortunate to discredit the entire police organization by picking up the flaws that could be counted on one's fingers.

He directed the police to never step back in fulfilling responsibility and using powers as per the law.

Our society is guided by negative criticism of the police officials so the police should be able to carry out their responsibilities with fearlessness and determination," he said, there is need to accomplish the task in a flawless manner.

Denoting that the contribution made by the police in maintaining law and order, crime control and service to the common man even in the midst of the Corona epidemic is remarkable, he also paid tribute to the immortal and martyred police personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties at different times to maintain law and order.

Shailesh Thapa Chhetri, Inspector General of Police, said that the Police Day of the year was limited to formalities due to the Corona epidemic.

He clarified that the former and current members of the organization could not be invited to the program.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli, Home Minister, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Home Secretary, Maheshwar Neupane, Inspector General of Police Thapa Chhetri, Inspector General of Armed Police, Shailendra Khanal and former Inspector General of Police paid tributes at the Immortal and Martyrs Police Memorial at the Police Headquarters.