Police personnel banned meeting political figures

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 9:The Nepal Police has imposed a ban on its personnel and even senior officers from meeting political figures and other power centres without prior approval from higher offices or authorities.

Issuing an internal circular to all its unit offices on Sunday, the Police Headquarters has stated that no one is allowed to meet any specific individual or power centre without permission from their respective offices or unit chiefs. 

The circular also warned that any officer who violates this rule and holds meetings without prior approval would face the maximum departmental action, which would be recorded in their personal file.

“Except for necessary duties, any meeting with power centres or individuals must be reported to the relevant office, and prior approval obtained. Any inappropriate meetings conducted for personal gains, with the intention of influencing organisational procedures, or any unprofessional and self-centred activities will be considered a violation. Such actions will be recorded as evidence, and the highest possible punishment will be imposed under police regulations,” read the circular.

“All police personnel working under the office head and subordinate units are advised to take the matter and circular seriously and communicate it to the Secretariat,” stated the internal circular sent to all subordinate units across the country by the Police Headquarters.

Deputy Inspector General and Spokesperson for the Police Headquarters, Dan Bahadur Karki, said that the internal circular was sent as a regular practice disseminating some important notice in written form to the respective units across the country.

A senior police officer clarified that the circular had to be issued after officers and personnel pressured the Police Headquarters through ministers, administrators, members of parliament, political party leaders/activists, and businessmen to influence decisions related to transfers, promotions, awards, and other career development matters.