PM seeks vigilance of police to curb criminal activities

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 27: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that the current government was formed to ensure stability and development in the country and would not bow to any pressure to pardon criminals or falsely implicate the innocent in violation of the constitution and laws.

Inaugurating the newly constructed building of the District Police Office, Kathmandu in Bhadrakali on Monday, Prime Minister Oli directed the Nepal Police, which holds the primary responsibility for the nation's peace and security, to be constantly vigilant in predicting and investigating criminal activities to prevent such incidents and take strict action if any. 

He urged the police administration to stay alert at all times against attempts to create instability and chaos and to work resolutely and confidently in providing peace and security to the people. 

"The current government will not say ‘don't arrest any criminal’, will not misuse state mechanisms to frame innocents, and will not spare the guilty," Prime Minister Oli insisted. 

"This government is not just a replacement of one government by another, it is determined to do something. It carries the intent of establishing stability in place of instability. The present government was formed with a commitment to do something in favour of the country and the people. The police should work independently to fulfill their duties in accordance with the constitution and laws. They should use advanced knowledge to deliver quality service to the people." Stating that there should be no need for police officers to run around for promotions and transfers, he added, "You don't have to run around carrying bags. The current government eats meals, not bribes. You should be fully free and confident in fulfilling your duties. There is no need to fall under any unwanted and inappropriate influence."

During the tenure of the current Prime Minister Oli, land spanning 15 ropanies was purchased for the Police Office from Nepal Food Corporation at Rs 1.10 billion, among other arrangements, to establish Kathmadu Police Office in Bhadrakali. 

This building is considered the biggest structural achievement for Nepal Police to date. The ultra-modern building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.26 billion.

On the occasion, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak stated that the government was formed with the participation of major political parties to ensure stability and peace in the country, boosting the morale to work effectively. 

He noted that reaching an agreement on transitional justice-related laws within a month of forming the government was a major achievement. 

Referring to the period after the 2022 elections, Home Minister Lekhak added that the instability in the government resulted in the prime ministers and chief ministers needing to seek a vote of confidence every two to three months. 

"Due to the lack of stability in the government, the economy weakened, there were obstacles in controlling corruption, and development projects could not progress at a fast pace. That's why we have moved forward with new determination," he said.

He mentioned that in the parliamentary system, some practices that are generally less frequent were embraced, which led to the completion of tasks that had not been completed for a long time.

Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal said, “After the 2015 earthquake, the police had to work for years without quality infrastructure. Now, with the provision of services from the new building, the service seekers will be more benefitted.” 

He added that this would also boost motivation and morale among the police. The programme was attended by Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal Liladevi Gadtaula, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ek Narayan Aryal, Inspector General of Police Basant Bahadur Kunwar, and others.

The new police building has facilities that allow for separate detention of individuals involved in social crimes, drug use and trafficking, and serious crimes. 

Though the Kathmandu Police had already moved from Teku to this building on July 10, its formal inauguration was held today.