Kathmandu, October 16:

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam today directed the Nepal Police to maintain security in the country and work for the people.

“The responsibility of the government is to establish lasting peace and draft the new constitution,” Gautam said while addressing the 53rd Police Day organised by the Nepal Police here.

The police should serve the people, he said. “The law violators would not be spared and impunity would be put to a stop,” he said, praising the contribution of those policemen, who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Inspector General of Police Hem Bahadur Gurung said he would work to weaken the anti-police elements and strengthen the organisation.

Various cultural programmes were also organised to mark the Police Day and Gautam also presented awards to the some police personnel for their performers this year.

Earlier, IGP Gurung said the police would focus on professionalism.

Addressing a condolence meeting at the Police Headquarters, Gurung said establishing law and order, smoothing departmental strategies and properly managing human resources fall under the priority of the police.

On the occasion, Gurung garlanded the statues of Amar Prahari (martyrs) and honoured the family members of three police personnel — Inspector Rishi Raj Acharya, police constables Bindeswor Prasad Saha and Kishor Kumar Rai — who were declared martyrs this year.

According to the police, as many as 1,496 policemen lost their life while serving for the nation.