Kathmandu, October 15

The Metropolitan Police Office has made special security arrangements to ensure safety of residents in the Kathmandu Valley during Dashain festival.

SSP Sushil Bhandar said metropolitan police ranges of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur have been asked to devise their own security plans and implement them within their respective jurisdictions.

“The MPO will extend all necessary support to the metropolitan police ranges,” he informed. SSP Bhandari said more

than 3,000 cops have been deployed in Kathmandu, while around 800 police personnel have fanned out in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur each.

Police have also stepped up security checks at major junctions and outskirts.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, patrol/mobile units, dog sniffing and reserve units will be increased, said the police. Sensitive areas, including Balaju, Jorpati, Koteshwor, Ratnapark, Dakshinkali, Thankot, Gwarko, among others, will be under strict police vigil round the clock.

Plainclothesmen in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Crime Investigation Division will also be deployed at prime locations.

During Dashain and Tihar festivals, almost half of the Valley’s total population of around 4 million, leave for their respective home districts. Thus, according to the police, the thieves target unattended houses during festivals.

Meanwhile, police have stepped up security along national highways to avert robberies and road accidents. They taken the step after a trend analysis of criminal activities recorded in the previous years.