POKHARA: As many as 121 people have been held for alleged involvement in anti-election activities in west Nepal, Western Regional Security Committee (WRSC) said on Tuesday. Investigations are underway with those taken into police custody.

Security has been tightened in view House of Representatives and State Assembly elections taking place in five districts — Tanahun, Syangja, Kaski Parbat, Nawalparasi — of Province 4 and  six districts — Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi — of Province 5.

A total of 35,347 security personnel, including 14,228 in Province 4 and 21,119 in Province 5 have been mobilised for poll security.

Security coordination has been arranged in the districts adjoining Indian border after holding a meeting with Indian authorities, regional administrator Laxman Aryal of Western Region informed. He said, "Security has been tightened by all the concerned agencies."

"The security agencies have intensified patrolling and air-patrolling as needed, keeping the poll candidates and parties in contact," Aryal added.

'Tight security measures have been taken through the district level security control. He claimed that the regional security committee would not refrain from taking any steps to hold free, fair and peaceful elections and to give a high sense of security to the voters," he further added.

Aryal, who is also the regional security coordinator claimed the agencies have fully acted upon security plan created by the central, regional and district level security control. Further, he appealed all voters to participate in the election without any fear.

In Province 4, 18 candidates will be elected the members of the House of Representatives and 36 others as the members of the State Assemblies.