KATHMANDU: A total of 3,506 police personnel have been deployed across the Kathmandu Valley under a special security plan for major festivals, including Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.
The Nepal Police has intensified security measures to prevent criminal activities and ensure that people can celebrate the festivals safely and without fear.
Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu, said security arrangements had been strengthened to protect people visiting markets for festival shopping, attending celebrations and travelling to different destinations during the festive season.
Of the personnel deployed under the festival-focused security plan, 100 have been assigned to operate in plain clothes. They will monitor public places and crowded areas, identify suspicious activities and help prevent potential crimes.
In addition to routine security patrols, police have prioritised the use of technology to strengthen surveillance and crime prevention. According to the District Police Range, community service centres, drone cameras, social media monitoring and trained dogs are being used as part of the security arrangements.
Thapa said the coordination of technological resources and police personnel would help identify suspicious activities and make security management more effective.
The police said the primary objective of the special security plan was to ensure that people could celebrate the festivals freely and securely. Personnel deployment has been increased, while coordination with various agencies and the use of modern surveillance tools have also been prioritised.
The deployment of plainclothes officers, drone cameras and trained dogs is expected to strengthen security monitoring, particularly in crowded public spaces and other sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, police have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel to prevent possible criminal activities during the festive season.
They have advised people to take precautions to protect their homes and property, remain alert to suspicious activities and report any unusual incidents to the nearest police station.