Kathmandu, October 27

Nepal Police said security had been stepped up to maintain law and order before and during the provincial and parliamentary elections.

A high-level source informed that the security agency had assessed potential threat to the polls without giving further details.

The government is set to deploy over 250,000 security personnel from Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department and temporary cops for foolproof security during the polls.

According to a source at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministry is working to revise the already developed integrated security plan and other strategies as may be required on the basis of threat assessment.

“Political polarisation between the left and democratic alliance and their possible confrontation poses a threat to security during polls. Hence, we have made security arrangements accordingly,” the source said.

Political analysts opine that the recently formed left alliance has posed a threat to democratic alliance and both could seek confrontation to ensure their victory in the upcoming elections.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also identified sensitive constituencies.

Like in the local level elections, Nepal Police personnel and temporary cops will be deployed inside the polling centres while Armed Police Force and Nepali Army will man the second and outermost ring respectively, he informed.

Arrangements of micro-observers and additional security forces have also been made for the polls.

Officials said there was no specific information that suggested a threat to polls, but added that security personnel would remain vigilant throughout the country to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. Security forces deployed for poll security have been authorised to open fire on any person or group resorting to violence.

The source said security agencies had carried out comprehensive security mapping of each polling centre and location to chalk out strategies on the basis of threat assessment.