“Today´s meeting decided to review the security arrangements provided to VVIPs and VIPs on the basis of security threats,” said an official at the ministry.[break]
The official, who attended the meeting, said the meeting was not about the number of PSOs assigned to ministers alone.
“The meeting was not just about the number PSOs provided to ministers,” a reliable source told Republica, adding, “We will review all security arrangements made for VVIPs and VIPs after conducting a study.”
Representatives from the Home Ministry, the Nepal Police, Nepal Army and the Armed Police Force as well as security officers were present at the meeting.
As per the ministry´s decision, the security status of the incumbent president, vice-president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, ministers, state ministers and former prime ministers and ex-ministers will be reviewed. At present, the Home Ministry provides up to two PSOs or bodyguards or both to the ministers, except for the home minister.
The Home Ministry, which has powers to decide the security cover for all VIPs and VVIPs on the basis of the security threats obtaining, has floated recommendations to the Central Security Committee under the ministry. The committee will finalize the number of PSOs and other security arrangements in a few days.
Today´s meeting was called following a ´threat analysis meeting´ held at the Home Ministry a few days ago.
Prior to this, the State Affairs Committee (SAC) of parliament had issued a directive to the government to take the necessary decisions with regard to providing security to VIPs and to review the existing security strategy and plan of action as and when needed.
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