PM urges Nepal police to work without pressure

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged Nepal Police to conduct evidence-based and just investigations avoiding any pressure or influence.

Inaugurating the newly constructed ‘The Blue Pavilion’ building on the Nepal Police Club premises in Bhrikutimandap on Saturday, Prime Minister Oli assured that the government would not interfere as long as the police function properly. 

He encouraged the police force to move forward firmly to give justice to people without unnecessary apprehension.

“You must act in line with public expectations. The people expect impartial and just conduct from the police,” he said. 

“Therefore, you should work in accordance with the constitution and laws, keeping the country and the people’s interests at the forefront,” Prime Minister Oli said.

“There is a tendency where smugglers, corrupt individuals, and fraudsters intimidate and threaten investigators. You should not be influenced by such pressures. Work fearlessly. Maintain peace and order in the country while prioritising national interest and unity,” he added. 

Reflecting on the past, Prime Minister Oli remarked that while police officers sacrificed themselves for national security, it was disgraceful that some officials from Nepal Police and the Nepal Army secretly colluded with opponents for personal gain.

He stressed the need for Nepal Police to establish itself as a home for all officers and to rectify any internal weaknesses in evaluation and opportunities.

The pavilion, whose foundation stone was laid on 24 May 2020, was completed at Rs. 758.7 million.

During the event, Prime Minister Oli launched the second volume of the history of Nepal Police and honoured officials, technicians, and contractors who contributed to the construction of the building. 

Additionally, the Inspector General of Nepal Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, handed over a cheque of Rs. 7.4 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same function, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak said that policy and legal reforms were the primary responsibilities of his ministry.

Minister Lekhak said that in about seven months since the government’s formation, policy and legal reforms have been the Home Ministry’s foremost task.

Accordingly, Minister Lekhak said that the Home Ministry has registered a bill in Parliament to amend the acts governing Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, Nepal. 

He expressed confidence that discussions on the bill would take place in the coming days.

“The citizenship-related bill has also been registered in Parliament. Soon, we will introduce an amendment to the immigration-related act in Parliament. Similarly, we are advancing the election-related act, and the amendment of the land acquisition law is also progressing,” he informed. 

“Additionally, the Ministry is working on drafting new laws related to registration and operation of new organisations or institutions. Three laws have already been submitted to Parliament for amendment, and we will ensure that the remaining bills are presented in the current parliamentary session and passed promptly,” Minister Lekhak said. 

He said that the bill related to the Nepal Police Act ensures provisions regarding service entry and retirement.

He also assured that if necessary suggestions come from the police, amendments to the police-related bill can be made. He emphasised that any shortcomings in the bill can be corrected in Parliament and called for positive discussions and debates on the matter.

During the event, Minister Lekhak acknowledged the significant role of the Nepal Police Club in promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of police personnel.

“The new club building will provide quality services. I believe that the services available at this club will foster cooperation, self-confidence, and discipline,” he added.

 Minister Lekhak said drug abuse, road accidents, suicides, and the misuse of social media were the major challenges facing society.