More than 32,500 armed police personnel mobilised for festival security

The Armed Police Force has rolled out a special security plan for Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and other major festivals, deploying 28,126 personnel across the country and keeping another 4,500 on standby.

The plan, titled the Special Security Plan for Festivals 2026, came into effect on October 8.

Under the plan, the force has established 141 public assistance desks, 16 health assistance desks and 13 tourist assistance desks nationwide.

To strengthen emergency response along major highways, teams equipped with ambulances have been stationed at 37 locations. Vehicles capable of evacuating large numbers of injured people have also been positioned at 16 locations.

The force has stepped up joint patrols, established checkpoints and increased foot and mobile patrols to strengthen border security.

Surveillance of sensitive locations will be conducted round the clock using 21 drones and 412 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at border crossings, the force said.

People requiring emergency assistance can contact the force’s toll-free number, 1114, or its border hotline at 9851260730.