Govt lax over tarai security to help negotiations: Home minister

KATHMANDU, Jan 6: Home Minister Shakti Basnet on Wednesday said that the government has been taking a lenient approach toward the growing security threats in the tarai districts as any stiffening in its response may disrupt ongoing negotiations between the ruling and agitating parties.

Setting out the overall vision and priorities of the Ministry of Home Affairs at a press conference held at the ministry, Home Minister Basnet said, “To some extent we have realized the need for strict measures to bring the situation under control, but we didn't want to disrupt the ongoing dialogue with the Madhes-based parties.”

Minister Basnet said that the ministry and the security forces were well aware of the recent brutal incidents and the changing political context, and they were not happy with the situation at hand. He, however, warned that the government would not compromise at the cost of national sovereignty, integrity and the security of life and property of the general public.  

“It's our prime duty to maintain peace and security in the country despite the growing challenge and we won't remain mere spectators forever,” he said in response to queries.

Media reports have claimed that underground outfits have started taking advantage of the current fragile state of law enforcement in the tarai, especially in the bordering areas.

Highlighting the priorities of the ministry, Basnet said that the ministry would formulate its internal security policies on the basis of the national security policy, which is yet to be formulated. The government is also preparing for restructuring the security forces on the basis of federalism and the changing political scenario, working out integrated security strategies based on district-wise border profiling, strengthening highway security, and ending transport syndicates.

The ministry is also to press a new campaign to crack down on black marketeering, start the digital archiving of personal details while distributing citizenship cards, review industrial and border security, and modernize the immigration department and the prison system.

The minister spoke of measures to develop professionalism in the police force, equip it with scientific tools and techniques, and strengthen search and rescue in times of disaster.

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