KATHMANDU: Home Minister Bhim Rawal today claimed that criminal activities have significantly gone down following the implementation of the Special Security Plan (SSP).

Addressing a press conference in the capital, Rawal said all 25 parties in the Constituent Assembly had wanted the continuation of the plan for strengthening democratic practice and ending impunity in the transitional phase.

“The SSP is not directed against any race, community, religion, class, gender or region,” he told reporters. “It solely intends to maintain law and order situation and to promote human rights in the country.”He also said the Armed Police Force had been deployed in 10 eastern hilly districts,” adding, “We’re planning to deploy security in Mustang and Manang as well.” Rawal said Rs 900 million had been allocated for the plan. Also, in the plans are to recruit 10,000 people in Nepal Police, he said.

The Minister also said that the concerned Chief District Officers, Nepal Police, APF, among others, had been mobilised for rescue operations in flood and landslide affected areas. The government has also managed helicopters to facilitate rescue efforts.

As many as 54 people have lost their lives, seven disappeared and four injured in the landslides and flood triggered by incessant rain in western Nepal, he informed. The ministry is collecting information on the damaged properties.

Journos as spies?

KATHMANDU: Home minister Rawal on Thursday said that the plan to use journalists to collect information could be corrected if deemed unethical. Journalists charged Rawal that he was trying to undermine the professionalism of the journalists. Rawal clarified that the ministry had no ill intention and wanted to utilise their expertise to obtain information from the districts. — HNS