KATHMANDU: Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal today directed the police to safeguard human rights, foil criminal activities and to ensure peace in the country.

Speaking at a function organised to pay tribute to the police personnel who have lost their lives while working for the country, Minister Rawal said, "Although the police have been instrumental in maintaining public security, rounding up criminals and establishing peace in the society, they need to do more in guaranteeing people's rights and security."

Rawal also urged the civil society to cooperate with the police to restore law and order in the country.

He clarified that the recently launched special security plan was not directed against any class, community or religion.

The minister said the Maoist obstruction of the parliament businesses has also deprived the people of services.

He also opined that the rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants could be resolved through a political solution.

The programme was organised to mark the 54th Police Day. On the occasion, Suman GC and Sanjit Kumar Barma, who were killed in terror attacks, were declared martyrs.

Altogether 1,483 police personnel have lost their lives, a majority of them during the decade-long Maoist insurgency.

"The police should be able to make their presence felt," said State Minister for Home Affairs Mohammad Rijwan Ansari.

Inspector General of Police Ramesh Chand Thakuri said the police force would be always dedicated to the service of the nation.

"We are committed to maintaining law and order in the society and to ensuring human rights," he said, adding that the sacrifice of the martyrs had inspired the security body to serve the people.

On the occasion, the Purna Shanti Police Award 2009 was given away to policeman Lila Prasad Yadav of District Police Office in Nawalparasi