Security beefed up ahead of May 27

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: With just a little over a month to go before the May 27 deadline for promulgation of the new constitution and expiry of the Constituent Assembly, Nepal Police Headquarters has issued a circular to all units directing officials not to go on leave until further notice.

“All police employees, from IGP to constables, have been told, in writing, not to go on leave, with the exception of mourning due to bereavement and maternity leaves, with effect from yesterday,” said DIG Binod Singh, spokesperson for Nepal Police.

“The decree shall be applicable to all regional police headquarters, Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office, regional police training centres and district police offices,” said Singh.

Singh explained that the move was part of the security measures that had been put in place in anticipation of all kinds of untoward incidents that could take place in the run-up to and after May 27.

Nepal Police Headquarters has also directed all police unit chiefs not to accept resignation from any employee until further notice.

They have also been instructed to make special security arrangements near vital installations and border areas in order to prevent untoward incidents.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed all security bodies under its purview to stay on high alert as May 27 was drawing near.

DIG Singh informed that the order may be extended on the basis of future intelligence reports.

Nepal Police said it has been working closely with Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department to counter potential threats to law and order in the eventuality of protest rallies and bandhs enforced by various political parties and outfits over the new constitution.

As many as 5,479 security personnel, including three SPs, 15 DSPs and 60 Inspectors have been deployed in Kathmandu Valley alone ‘to maintain law and order’.