Deployment up‚ intelligence enhanced

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Concluding that the first phase of the 15-day special security measures enforced in Kathmandu Valley was largely successful, Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office has enforced the second phase with some revisions in view of May 27 when the Constituent Assembly’s term expires.

The first phase of special security measures that started on April 13 expired on April 27. Earlier, MPCO had informed that needful security measures for the second and third phase would be put in place on the basis of anticipated threats. SSP Rabi Raj Shrestha, MPCO spokesperson, said the first phase, targeting anti-constitutional activities, was quite successful in preventing crime and enhancing public security in the run-up to May 27.

The second phase came into force from April 28 and will continue till May 12. “Security has been increased to 5,779 from 5,479 in this phase. Based on anticipated threats, additional 300 security personnel were deployed, though no untoward incident related to the constitution-making process was reported,” he said.

MPCO said security forces, both in uniform and civvies, including three SPs, 15 DSPs and 60 Inspectors have been deployed to maintain law and order in the Valley with special focus on the Constituent Assembly building, vital installations, government and political VIPs.

Officials, however, did not rule out potential threats of bombings, arson and smuggling of small arms to disturb peace in the Capital city and the constitution-drafting process. ‘The law enforcement agency is fully prepared to thwart any unpleasant incident likely to ensue from both ‘victory’ and ‘protest’ rallies with respect to the proposed provisions in the new constitution’ amid increasing cases of bandh, chakkajam, rallies, assembly, sit-in and other forms of protest sponsored by various political parties and interest groups, SSP Shrestha added.

MPCO has been working together with the Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department for intelligence gathering and security mobilisation to combat potential security threats. “Unlike in the first phase, we have deployed separate special teams to gather vital intelligence so as to thwart any terror plot during the second phase. Members of intelligence-gathering team have fanned out in the guise of civilians,” he informed.

The number of sniffer dogs have increased besides deployment of special task force and quick response teams in and around vital installations and transit points of Kathmandu Valley to check smuggling of explosives and other contraband.

SSP Shrestha said the third phase of special security plan will be enforced with effect from May 13 to May 27 based on threats assessment.