Kathmandu, July 5 Traffic snarls caused by VIP movement have become the order of the day in Kathmandu Valley. Though existing laws in force treat all citizens equally, VIPs like president, vice-president, prime minister, chief justice and speaker enjoy  special privileges at the cost of others. Traffic police clear the road for the VIPs on their way to wedding parties, temples and other unofficial functions, throwing traffic into chaos. DIG Mingmar Lama, in-charge at Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, conceded that the VIP culture caused traffic misery for commuters. “It is one of the biggest challenges we have been facing for long. The laws have nowhere mentioned the provision of clearing the traffic to give way to motorcades of VIPs, but the tradition of giving special privileges in the name of security continues,” he said. DIG Lama informed that MTPD was taking steps to end the practice of halting traffic for VIPs unless necessary. “We have been conducting orientation class for police personnel deployed for VIP security to make them aware about traffic rules every citizen should comply with. Since the security personnel are with the VIPs all the time and escort their vehicles with flashing light and siren, they could help us manage the traffic,” he said. Over 1,000 cops have been assigned to oversee the personal security of VIPs who also include ministers, former president, former vice-president and former prime ministers The orientation class attended by 50 persons is conducted at the office of MTPD every Friday. As many as 100 cops have benefited from the class so far. VIP movements often leave the commuters fuming, who complain that the general public should not be troubled. To make matters worse, authorities make no special arrangements for the movement of ambulances when VIP motorcades ply the roads. DIG Lama assured that MTPD was committed to making the movement of VIP motorcades systematic in near future.