KATHMANDU, Oct 26: Security agencies have decided to ban the use of fireworks and have stepped up surveillance in the Kathmandu valley to check illegal supply of firecrackers, which are in high demand during the festivals of Tihar and Chhat, which are round the corner.
Suspecting that the elements opposing the November 19 Constituent Assembly election could exploit the festive mood to import deadly explosives ahead of the crucial polls, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner´s Office (MPCO) has tightened security at every entry points and the highways leading to the valley.[break]
The police have also beefed up security inside the capital.
Head of the MPCO, AIGP Navaraj Dhakal said, "Unlike the previous years, we have adopted additional security measures to contain illegal import of firecrackers and explosive materials inside the valley during the festivals Tihar and Chhat as the election is around the corner."
"We suspect that powerful explosives could be imported along with the firecrackers. Explosives might be used for creating terror among public during the election," he added.
He further said if fireworks and explosive materials are discovered in any area inside the valley, the MPCO will hold take action against the officers concerned for dereliction of duty.
The MPCO has intensified its checking at the major entry points such as Thankot, Farping, Sitapaila and Jagati in coordination with the Armed Police Force (APF).
Likewise, SSP Subodh Ghimire, chief of the Metropolitan Police Range Office, Kathmandu, informed that they will intensify market monitoring inside Kathmandu from Sunday to see if shopkeepers were covertly selling fireworks.
The traders will lose their license if they are found selling firecrackers, warned AIGP Dhakal, adding, "The MPCO has already held discussion with the concerned authorities for the legal action."
"Apart from our regular checking, we are also conducting raids in the markets and on the roads leading to Kathmandu," said SSP Ghimire.
He said as the use of fireworks is a major attraction of the festivals, security agencies cannot directly take action against citizens.
So, the police range is also conducting public awareness program to discourage the use of fireworks. Dhakal believes that the valley will witness a substantial decrease in the use of fireworks in comparison to the previous years during the festivals.
Likewise, Basanta Raj Gautam, the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, informed that ban on the sale and use of firecrackers has been made to avoid unnecessary injuries and damages to property.
"I think parents can play a significant role in discouraging use of the firecrackers by their children," opined he.
The District Administration Office will disseminate public notice through mass media from Sunday, appealing all to avoid the use of fireworks during the festivals.