Kathmandu, January 29

The government has declared 2,807 police personnel, killed in various incidents, martyrs.

At a programme organised here today on the occasion of 18th Armed Police Force Day, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday had declared 2,807 security personnel of Nepali Army, Armed Police Force Nepal, Nepal Police and National Investigation Department ‘martyrs’.

The prime minister said that the Cabinet decision of declaring police personnel martyrs has developed the culture of respecting all and also the culture of reconciliation as well as given priority to the need to respect and provide relief to martyrs’ families.

He praised the progress made by APF in a short period. The Prime Minister said that since some issues of the peace process were still to be resolved, it was high time the wounds of conflict were healed.

He said, “Activities that disrupt peace, spread violence in society, terrorise people and hamper national integrity would not be allowed.”

Saying peace was the common expectation of all Nepalis, PM Oli said the country’s prestige and respect had increased at present.

He further said that the World Economic Forum remembered Nepal for the first time in 49 years, adding that he had clearly put forth Nepal’s views, situation and expectations in the Davos meeting.

Similarly, Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa said the APF had established itself as a trustworthy security organisation.  He pointed out that the APF had the responsibility of playing a crucial role as a dynamic security organisation.

Directing the APF to carry out activities after coordinating with all security bodies, Thapa said the government had a plan to increase ‘border outposts’ to control crime in border areas.

He further said that the ministry had forwarded plans to make temporary companies permanent and to make brigades effective.

Saying that necessary preparation was under way to establish high summit search and rescue school for search and rescue operations during disasters in the high-hills and mountainous areas, Thapa asked the APF to submit a plan to the ministry for the same.

Likewise, APF Inspector General Shailendra Khanal said that the APF was committed to the country’s peace and security and would follow the PM and home minister’s suggestions and direction in letter and spirit.

The APF has honoured Haribansha Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha on the occasion of its 18th Establishment Day. They were honoured for their significant contribution to the development of society through art.

Similarly, the first inspector general of APF Krishna Mohan Shrestha and former APF inspector general sahabir Thapa were honoured posthumously while former APF inspector general Durja Kumar Rai and former APF additional inspector general Rohit Thapa were honoured with APF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Likewise, Rupandehi-based APF Brigade Headquarters was honoured with Outstanding Brigade award.