Kathmandu, September 17

Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, has put in place special security plan to ensure safety of people during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.

SSP Rabindra Bahadur Dhanuk said the security arrangements focused on preventing any untoward incident and helping people head to their destinations without any fear. All police units have been directed to implement the security plan from their respective places. These security arrangements range from the use of sniffer dogs to patrolling.

“The MPR will extend all necessary support to the metropolitan police circles and sectors to combat crimes,” he informed. SSP Dhanuk said that over 3,700 cops, both in uniform and civvies, would be deployed in Kathmandu. “Incidents of theft, rape, human trafficking, pickpocketing, drugging and robbing, gambling, gang fight and black marketing are among the crimes likely to increase during the festive season and we have made security arrangements accordingly,” he said.

According to MPR, security personnel will be deployed for foot, cycle, motorcycle and vehicle patrolling; seal and search; cordon and search; picketing; ambushing and vigilance; and cross-checking.

Police have also stepped up security checks at major junctions and the outskirts of the city.The police strategy divides police’s work areas into various sub groups such as temple security, food monitoring, checking import and illicit use of fire crackers, lottery scams and trafficking of small arms, among others.

Major market areas of Kalanki, Thapathali, Bagbazar, Bhrikutimandap, Gaushala, Chabahil, Koteshwor, Gongabu, Balaju, Teku, Tripureshwor and Maharajgunj, where the trade of goats is rampant during Dashain, will also be under police vigilance.

The number of Quick Response Teams, mobile units, dog sniffing and reserve units will be increased, said MPR.

During Dashain and Tihar festivals, almost half of the Valley’s total population of around four million leave for their respective home districts. Thus, according to the police, the thieves target unattended houses during festivals.

SSP Dhanuk said cops would also keep an eye on the movement of VIPs, vital installations, government offices, all transits of Kathmandu, banks and financial institutions and marketplaces during Dashain holidays by adopting intelligence-based strategy. Police had registered 535 incidents of crime in Dashain, Tihar and Chhath last year.