Govt to up dignitaries security

KATHMANDU: The political committee of the Cabinet today discussed ways to strengthen security for dignitaries. Government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokhrel said the committee had discussed ways to strengthen security measures for VIPs and VVIPs.

Citing the unruly activities demonstrated by Maoist cadres during the visits of the President and the Prime Minister outside the capital, the minister said such activities should be controlled. "They (UCPN-Maoist activists) even hurled stones at the VVIPS," he added. He, however, said the committee was for decreasing the number of personnel deployed for their security. "The committee has directed the Home Ministry to make the security of the dignitaries more effective."

Home Minister Bhim Rawal said changing plans and policies for the security of VIPs and VVIPs was a regular business. "We discussed recent political activities that might have defied legal or constitutional provisions and raised insecurity and violence. Home ministry will provide special security to any VVIP if they face a security threat," he added.

During the meeting, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong briefed about talks held with various agitating groups. He said the government had considered the policy of resolving political problems through dialogue.

Meanwhile, the meeting of the Special Committee for the Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed for Thursday.

Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire, who is also the secretary of the Committee, informed the media that the meeting had been postponed as many of its members remained absent today.

According to Minister Chemjong, the major agenda of the meeting was to finalise the revised work plan which was presented to the SC yesterday. The plan includes concluding the rehabilitation and integration process within a maximum of 112 days.

"Integration can be into the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department and any other newly formed force. Integration will be on individual basis as per the earlier agreement of the parties," he said.

Chemjong added the Cabinet committee also endorsed the agreement made by his ministry with Tamang communities with minor alteration and agreed to bring Kirat Workers' Party to the peace process.