Nepal is entering a crucial phase as it prepares for the national polls on March 5. However, the shadow of escaped prisoners and missing weapons looms large over the election’s success. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has announced a special operation to re-arrest remaining fugitives and recover looted weapons. Although around 9,000 escaped inmates have returned to prisons, more than 5,000 remain at large, and several weapons are still unaccounted for. These fugitives and missing arms pose serious threats to the safety of voters, polling officers, and the broader election environment. It is widely believed that unless these issues are resolved, public confidence in the elections will remain shaky. The government must act decisively to eliminate these risks and ensure the polls are held smoothly. The Home Ministry’s decision to launch a special operation is, therefore, a welcome step toward restoring public trust in the electoral process.
Living with fear
It is encouraging to note that the police, army, and armed police force have formed coordination and task forces to share information and track down missing weapons and fugitives across the country. Local administrations, ward offices, and communities must also be mobilized to ensure the success of this operation. Informants at all levels should be encouraged to come forward without fear and assist law enforcement agencies in locating escaped prisoners and tracing missing arms. To prevent such security lapses in the future, authorities need to adopt more effective measures. Strengthening prison management systems, maintaining accurate records of weapons, and developing rapid response capabilities must be carried out with full integrity. Training security personnel to respond swiftly to security challenges, while improving coordination between the police, military, and local authorities, will be crucial during the election period. Furthermore, integrating intelligence updates with on-the-ground monitoring can help mitigate risks before they escalate into bigger problems. Security forces and government agencies should also collaborate with community leaders and local organizations to act as watchdogs before and during elections, ensuring greater transparency and vigilance.
The issue has affected not only Nepal’s internal security but also its international image. Several countries have reportedly expressed reservations in issuing visas and travel permits to Nepalis, citing concerns related to law enforcement and public safety. If fugitives and missing weapons continue to circulate in society, it will signal weak governance and poor enforcement—impacting everything from trade to tourism. March 5 is a defining day for Nepal’s democracy, and it is vital that voters, officials, and communities feel safe. Recovering the fugitives and missing weapons will send a strong message about the government’s commitment to law and order. This calls for decisive action, careful planning, community involvement, and constant monitoring of the situation. The elections can achieve their purpose and strengthen democracy only if the fear of insecurity caused by escaped prisoners and missing weapons is removed before voters head to the polls.
