Kathmandu, October 11

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed Nepal Police to demonstrate professionalism in every aspect of crime control and investigation.

Addressing a special function organised in Nepal Police Headquarters to mark the 63nd Police Day, he underscored the need for the security agency to reach people’s doorsteps to deliver service. “Nepal Police should maintain its image as a strong and capable organisation in the field of crime control and investigation. The government is committed to developing it as a professional and quality-driven force,” the PM said.

He also praised the security agency for its commitment, bravery and integrity in maintaining peace and security in the country regardless of limited resources and means.

“Nepal Police should be more responsible and active towards achieving the goal of ‘Prosperous Nepali, Happy Nepal’ adopted by the government,” the PM said, adding that the government had attached high priority to mobilisation of Nepal Police to combat cybercrime, transnational crime, terrorism and other security threats in association with neighbouring countries.

He directed Nepal Police not to compromise on security of the people and said robust security arrangements were compulsory to achieve the goals set by the nation and make society a safer place to live in. “Police should leave no stone unturned to bring to book culprits involved in criminal activities,” he suggested.

Inspector General of Police Sarbendra Khanal said Nepal Police was the only organisation with experts of criminal investigation. “Nepal Police has been successful in solving various complicated cases since its inception and thus it will be injustice to question its efficiency and capability by raising a particular incident,” he said in an apparent reference to its failure to identify and arrest the culprit(s) in Nirmala Panta’s rape and murder.

IGP Khanal also described the working conditions of Nepal Police personnel in remote parts of the country. He urged the government to make more investment in security sector to develop public security as the foundation of economic development. “It is time to say goodbye to traditional thinking that budget in security is an unproductive investment,” IGP Khanal said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli gave away letters of appreciation to the kin of assistant sub-inspector Devendra Singh Dhami, head constable Gajendra Singh Thagunna, and constables Ram Kumar Ale, Sher Singh Saud, Sushil Baniya, Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Pram Prasad Paudel and Bishnu Prasad Neupane, and helper Hari Bahadur Gurung who attained martyrdom in the past one year.

Similarly, he conferred lifetime achievement award on former additional inspector General Amar Singh Shah. Earlier, Prime Minister Oli, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, IGP Khanal and others had paid tributes to police personnel killed in the line of duty.