IGP Karki: Force will be used against poll threats

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 5: Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has said that the security apparatus across the country has been strengthened to ensure that Thursday's election is conducted peacefully and without fear.

Speaking on election security arrangements on Wednesday, IGP Karki warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the elections would face strict use of force.

He said that under the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs, an integrated security plan involving the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department has been effectively implemented.

According to Karki, all four security agencies are actively collecting and analysing information from their respective areas, assessing potential threats, and coordinating efforts. Complete security arrangements have been made, and security personnel have been deployed to all polling centres across the country.

Addressing security and staff management in mountainous and high hill districts, IGP Karki said coordination was ongoing with the Department of Meteorology to ensure the safety and security of voters and elections officials. While a major snowfall is not immediately expected, special attention is being paid to the health and accommodation of staff and security personnel deployed in extremely cold areas. Helicopters have also been arranged to transport election materials, staff, and security personnel to remote locations where travel by road is difficult and temperatures are low.

Karki also emphasised that all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders must fully comply with the code of conduct. He warned that anyone spreading false information on social media or engaging in activities contrary to the code of conduct during this period would be immediately brought within the legal framework. 

Security agencies are closely monitoring such activities and will take coordinated action against any unlawful behavior, he said.

IGP Karki underlined that security on Election Day will be extremely tight, with no tolerance for any undesirable activities. Security personnel have been authorised to use force if anyone threatens, intimidates, or attempts to seize polling booths.

He said that district security will be overseen by the Chief District Officer, with Nepal Police stationed at the primary perimeter of polling centres. In the event of a complicated situation, the Armed Police Force and he Nepali Army officers are ready to be deployed immediately. Security personnel are fully prepared to neutralise groups intending to disrupt the elections or cancel booths.

Appealing to voters, IGP Karki urged the public to participate confidently in the voting process without fear or intimidation. He assured that a fully reliable environment has been established for voters to travel to polling centres, cast their votes, and return safely, calling on all citizens to exercise their invaluable right to vote.