KATHMANDU: The Special Security Plan (SSP), 2066 BS took its form on September 2009, with the objective of establishing effective peace and security, ending the culture of impunity and protecting human rights in the country. But the effectiveness of the much-touted plan is not supported by the testimony of local residents.

Most people living in priority areas - where the SSP is currently being implemented - have said they have not heard of it, let alone experience a real change in their daily life, according to a report of the Carter Center, Nepal.

“None of the citizens interviewed said local officials had come to their villages to inform them about the SSP but many noted that police vehicles are now patrolling around or through their villages,” the Second Interim Report- 2009 released here by the Center, stated.

Consider Panchthar district: The existence of the plan was reportedly broadcast through radio programme to inform the locals, but it did not appear to have a significant impact on public awareness.

In other districts, where some people heard of the plan, generally through radio or newspapers, offered mixed viewpoints about its value and intentions.

“In the Eastern and Central Tarai, some citizens claimed that the SSP was necessary to lessen Chakkajam organised frequently by political parties, organisations, or community to pressure the government to fulfill their vested interests,” observes the report. “People continue to press for more police posts and complain that the police do not respond fast enough when incidents occur,” read the report.

A document provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, places emphasis on effective implementation of existing laws, including the Local Administration Act, controlling road obstructions and serious crime, and notes that special security plans have been put in place in “high priority areas” including the Kathmandu Valley, the Tarai, and the Eastern and Mid-western hills.

“To bolster police presence in districts with more pressing security concerns, observers report that in some cases manpower has been diverted from other districts where the security environment is generally calm,” the report said, adding that nearly all respondents in high priority districts have acknowledged the need to improve security. While, some had the perception that the SSP was unfairly targeted at them.

Unified- CPN Maoist representatives in several districts alleged that the Plan was aimed at suppressing their protest programs or thwarting plans for a future mass movement.

“In many Tarai districts like Bara Rupandehi and Siraha, Madhesi party representatives raised concerns about unfair target by the SSP though they referenced no specific incidents of concern since the plan was launched,” read the report.