Kathmandu, February 24:

Newly-appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ramesh Chandra Thakuri today underscored the dire need for promulgating anti-terrorism law, which can help curb the growing threat to internal security.

“We don’t have a strict law to curb criminal and terrorist activities. This is a big deterrent while maintaining law and order,” said Thakuri.

He made the statement at a meeting of the Committee for Preserving National Interest of the Constituent Assembly (CA).

He gave example of other nations, which boast of tough anti-terrorism laws, to bolster his argument.

“Lack of legal cushion has led to the drooping morale of the force.

No wonder, the personnel don’t feel motivated while discharging their duties,” he explained.

Thakuri urged the government to establish separate service commission for the police in a

bid to make it more autonomous and professional.

“This will make it impervious to all kinds of political and attendant intervention. Besides, the force aren’t getting enough popular support till date,” he added.

According to the IGP, the police are confronted with twin challenges: restoration of law and

order and put an end to the growing impunity.

“Lack of legal clarity has been a big stumbling block. For instance, only the first class officer, who is on a par with the Chief District Officer, in a district is empowered to mobilise the Armed Police Force (APF). This has led to a lot of confusion while discharging respective duties and responsibilities,” said Basudev Oli, Inspector General, APF.

CA members enumerated a host of lacunae that are plaguing the security forces. Corruption, immoral conduct, low self-esteem while dealing with the public, sheltering all those in high place and gross abuse of authority top the list.

CA member Dr Indrajit Rai sought opinion of security chiefs on whether a separate provision for the police should be enshrined in the new statute to make it more independent and powerful.

However, both the IGPs maintained studied silence to Rai’s suggestion.

Dr Govinda Prasad Kusum, secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, admitted that the National Investigation Department - the intelligence wing - needed to get its act together.

“Honestly, the police have not been able to meet people’s aspirations. Perhaps, the feudal tradition is the root of poor performance,” he reasoned.