Kathmandu, October 13
Nepal Police has mobilised 50,458 personnel across the country under a special security plan for the upcoming Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.
Nepal Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Abinarayan Kafle said the plan aims to protect citizens, their property and their freedom to observe religious and cultural traditions during the festive period.
The security measures also prioritise the safety and rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Police will deploy personnel systematically, intensify monitoring and enforce security protocols to reassure the public.
According to Kafle, police have identified potential threats during religious and cultural events, including clashes, robberies and other incidents that could disrupt public order or trigger unrest in other locations.
The police have also developed strategies to address crimes that tend to increase during festivals, including fraud, theft, burglary, robbery, gambling, online scams, betting, counterfeit currency circulation and illegal hundi transactions.
Additional measures have been introduced to prevent the smuggling of illegal weapons, firecrackers, explosives and narcotics through open border crossings.
Deployment across provinces
A total of 50,458 personnel will be mobilised through the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari and police offices in all seven provinces.
The deployment is as follows:
- Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari: 7,668
- Koshi Province: 8,133
- Madhesh Province: 7,230
- Bagmati Province: 4,499
- Gandaki Province: 5,188
- Lumbini Province: 7,921
- Karnali Province: 5,314
- Sudurpashchim Province: 4,505
Police will also strengthen coordination with local communities, business owners, transport operators, banks, financial institutions and other stakeholders to improve security management.
Focus on road and passenger safety
The police said the plan places greater emphasis on technology-based surveillance rather than relying solely on traditional security methods.
With passenger numbers expected to rise on long-distance public transport during the festivals, police have established passenger assistance desks to improve passenger safety and manage road security.
Before vehicles leave Kathmandu Valley, police will check drivers’ licences, test for alcohol and drug consumption, verify that passenger numbers do not exceed seating capacity, and use the Traffic Communication App to check whether long-distance vehicles have two drivers. Officers will also inspect certificates confirming that vehicles have undergone mechanical tests.
A total of 1,165 police personnel have been deployed to establish 408 passenger assistance desks across the country.
Another 705 personnel have been mobilised to support help desks at 108 locations along international border crossings.
The desks will provide passengers with information and assistance, coordinate cases involving missing persons and lost or found belongings, offer special support to women, children and senior citizens, and promptly forward complaints to the relevant police offices. They will also collect information about suspicious activities and facilitate further police action where necessary.
CCTV, drones and digital surveillance
Police will use CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, drones and trained dogs as part of the festive security operation. Real-time information will also be exchanged through the police communication system.
Authorities will monitor social media and analyse digital information circulating online to identify potential security threats and guide police deployment.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant against online shopping scams, banking fraud and phishing attempts, particularly those involving promises of attractive gifts or prizes. People have been advised not to disclose confidential information such as one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs or passwords to anyone requesting them.
Banks and financial institutions, bus parks, public transport hubs, airports, religious sites, tourist destinations, entertainment venues, major roads and intersections, city entry and exit points, and areas where gold, silver and other valuables are traded will receive particular security attention.
The post Nepal Police deploys over 50,000 personnel for festive security appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.