Kathmandu, October 1

Metropolitan Police Office has in place security plan to ensure safety of lives and property during Dashain.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shyam Lal Gyawali said security arrangements focused on preventing any untoward incidents and helping people head to their destinations without any fear. All police units have been directed to implement the security plan from their respective places. These security arrangements range from the use of sniffer dogs to patrolling. “The MPO will extend all necessary support to all metropolitan police ranges to combat crimes,” he said. SSP Gyawali said over 6,500 police personnel, both in uniform and civvies, will be deployed in the valley. Incidents of theft, rape, human trafficking, pick-pocketing, drugging and robbing, gambling, gang fight and black marketing are among the crimes that are likely to increase during the festive season.

According to MPO, security personnel will be deployed for foot, cycle, motorcycle and vehicle patrolling; seal and search and cordon and search. Police have also stepped up security checks at major junctions and the outskirts of the city. The strategy divides the work areas of police into various groups such as temple security, food monitoring, checking import and illicit use of fire crackers, lottery scams and trafficking of small arms. Major market areas of Kalanki, Thapathali, Bagbazar, Bhrikutimandap, Gaushala, Chabahil, Koteshwor, Gongabu, Balaju, Teku, Tripureshwor and Maharajgunj, where the trade of goats takes place during Dashain, are also under police vigilance.

Number of quick response teams, mobile units and reserve units has also been be increased.

During Dashain, almost half of the valley’s total population of around four million leave for their respective home districts. The thieves target unattended houses during the festival. SSP Gyawali said security personnel had been keeping an eye on the movement of VIPs, vital installations, government offices and financial institutions.