PM Karki instructs officials to ensure free, fair polls

By Laxman Poudel,Bhairahawa, Feb. 22: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed security officials in Lumbini Province to ensure that the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election is conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

She held a joint meeting with provincial security officials on Saturday morning, and directed them to maintain impartiality, cleanliness and peace throughout the electoral process, stating that the primary mandate of the government is to hold elections. She arrived in Butwal on Friday evening. 

PM Karki also expressed concern over potential challenges, noting that the festival of Fagu Purnima (Holi) is approaching and that natural disruptions such as possible snowfall in the Himalayan region—particularly in Rukum East—could pose difficulties.

She further warned that heightened political activity among certain parties in the Tarai region could lead to clashes due to growing competition. 

According to Provincial Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Kapri, PM Karki received briefings from the heads of all security agencies regarding the province’s current security situation and guided forthcoming security strategies and government plans.

Security officials informed the Prime Minister that the 514-km open border with India presents a major challenge across six Tarai districts. While the hill districts face distinct security concerns, agencies stated that they have adopted appropriate strategies to address them.

Chief District Officers from various districts also briefed the meeting on their respective local situations. According to Chief Secretary Kapri, it was decided that a three-tier security strategy would be implemented, classifying areas as highly sensitive, sensitive and normal to ensure the successful conduct of election.

Chief District Officers from the Tarai districts highlighted the shared challenge of managing the 514-km open border and stated that coordination would be maintained with Indian authorities. 

Mid-Western Division Commander Himmat Bahadur Bista, and Provincial Police Chief Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri also presented reports from their respective sectors.

Prime Minister Karki visits Lumbini

On Saturday, PM Karki visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The visit underscored the government’s priority to preserve, develop and promote Lumbini internationally.

Upon her arrival in Lumbini, she was welcomed by Member-Secretary Dipak Shrestha of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT). Executive members Shyam Rokaya and Bishwo Paudel, along with other officials and staff of the Trust, were also present at the reception.

During the visit, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Maya Devi Temple. She received briefings on the historical and religious significance of the birthplace of Lord Buddha and emphasised the need to make conservation efforts more systematic and effective. 

She also toured the Thai Monastery and other international monasteries and structures within the Lumbini complex.

Prime Minister Karki remarked that Lumbini is not only Nepal’s heritage but a shared treasure of the entire world. She stressed that development efforts must prioritise authenticity, peace and religious tolerance. 

Officials of the LDT briefed the Prime Minister on completed development works, plans and existing challenges. Expressing keen interest in these matters, she assured that the government would provide necessary policy and structural support.