Kathmandu, February 3:

Despite the “threats issued by the seven-party alliance and the Maoists to disrupt the civic elections,” the government is committed to holding the elections, Home Minister Kamal Thapa told this daily today, adding that fool-proof security arrangements had been put in place for the conduct of the elections.

“The government has made necessary security and other arrangements for the conduct of the elections,” Thapa said Inaugurating the new office of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party in Prachin Marga, Mid-Baneswor, today, Thapa assured the voters of complete and conducive environment.

Thapa himself heads the new RPP.

Saying there would be no security lapses during the elections, Thapa told this daily: “Voters can cast their votes without fear.”

Asked about the preparations made by the government to foil the Maoist-called week-long bandh, Thapa assured all of full-proof security.

Ministers, including Kamal Thapa, Tanka Dhakal, took part in a discussion during the inauguration of the new party office.

Talking to this daily, Assistant Minister Roshan Karki raised serious concern over the Maoist-called week-long bandh. “Is anyone really serious over the long-term effect of bandhs?” she said. “Long-term effects of such bandhs should be taken into account,” she added.