An emergency meeting of the council held at Singha Durbar attended by all SC members and chiefs of all security agencies evaluated the country´s overall security situation and possible measures to maintain law and order in the wake of Maoist protests.[break]
"We discussed and reviewed overall security situation of the country in the wake of Maoist protest, said Defense Minister Bidhya Devi Bhandari after the meeting, adding, "We agreed to deploy Nepal Army if the Maoists violated CPA and interim constitution under the pretext of peaceful demonstration."
She further clarified that army deployment would depend on the nature of the Maoist protest. "If the law and order situation goes beyond control due to Maoist protest, Bhandari, added, "The government would be compelled to deploy Nepal Army to control unexpected occurrence."
According to a council source, council members also agreed to step up security for VVIPs. Currently, army personnel have been providing security to the VVIPS.
"We agreed to tighten security at VVIP and VIP areas," the source said, adding, "The meeting also agreed to instruct army personnel deployed for the security of VVIPs and VIPs to be more cautious in the wake of Maoist protests."
Prime Minister and Chairman of the council Madhav Kumar Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Home Minister Bhim Rawal, Energy Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, Education Minister Sarvendra Nath Shukla, Minister Bhandari and chiefs of all four security agencies were present at the emergency meeting.
Home Minister Rawal informed journalists that the council decided to ask Nepal Army to beef up army personnel stationed at vital installations including airports and major hydro projects. Some of the airports, important areas and major hydro projects are currently protected by the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.
"The council decided to deploy army in vital installations which are currently protected by the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Minister Rawal said, adding, "We took decision to this effect following possible manpower crunch of police personnel."
The government is preparing to deploy large number of police. "The army personnel would replace police personnel in important areas," Rawal told to journalists.
The emergency meeting of the council also adopted wait and see strategy. The meeting discussed security measures to be taken if the Maoist agitation turns violent.
The council also decided to meet after evaluating the Maoist May 1 demonstrations.
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