No easy entry into Singh Durbar anymore

KATHMANDU: Are you a regular visitor of Singh Durbar? And did you once visit all the ministries and line offices you desired once you entered its premises? If yes, be warned you will no longer be granted this liberty. [break]



The Home Ministry will shortly introduce a new system in which visitors must obtain a separate ‘pass’ to visit the ministries and their line offices inside the principal government secretariat.



The new measure follows growing security threats to important government installations such as Singh Durbar in the aftermath of Mumbai terrorist attacks.



Home Ministry spokesperson Nabin Ghimire said the ministry is introducing 19 different types of pass for the purpose, and that each ministry will have its own liaison officer to assist visitors. There will be three additional telephone lines at the southern gate, the gate used for the entrance of ordinary visitors.



Officials at the ministry said police will now escort delegation, if any, to concerned ministries. Police personnel deputed for Singh Durbar’s internal security are also directed to ‘discourage’ the practice of ordinary people strolling around its premises after office hours.



Sources said each ministry inside Singh Durbar has been advised not to provide passes to more than 20 visitors a day.



The Home Ministry has already bolstered security by installing closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) to monitor activities in various locations inside and outside Singh Durbar.



koshraj@myrepublica.com

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