APF prohibits its members from soliciting political support

Published On: July 25, 2024 10:42 AM NPT By: Tapendra Karki

APF headquarters seeks clarification from DIG to Inspector for violation of code of conduct

KATHMANDU, July 25: In general, soliciting political support is prohibited within security agencies. However, hundreds of instances have been found where transfers and promotions within the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) were based on political connections. Nepal Police has been weakened by political interference. In such circumstances, the APF has completely prohibited political meetings.

After political party leaders began pressuring for transfers and promotions, the APF has started penalizing and asking for clarifications from those involved. Last month, the APF sought clarifications from one Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and one Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) on charges of violating the code of conduct.

Similarly, APF also asked Superintendent Police (SP), Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP), and Inspector for an explanation. APF headquarters grilled the officers stating: What is the purpose of meeting political party leaders? Are they relatives? If they are friends, what is the need to interfere with the organization?

The APF has established provisions regarding meetings. Based on this, IGP Raju Aryal has initiated a process to identify if anyone has met with political party leaders and exerted unnecessary pressure. If they are found to have done so, their performance evaluation scores will also be deducted. The code of conduct specifies that if anyone needs to meet a political party leader, they must obtain orders from the organization.

If it is a diplomatic meeting, orders must be obtained from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. “For meetings and contacts related to government duties conducted on behalf of the APF, the relevant armed police personnel must carry a dispatch letter and the designated order letter issued in their name,” reads the code of conduct.

Following the provision, clarification was asked from officers including a DIG. “Undue external pressure and actions that tarnish the organization are not acceptable. The officers must fully comply with the code of conduct,” said IGP Aryal.

The APF has been strict about this for a long time. The APF has already implemented the Permanent Order 2079 for their personnel regarding the code of conduct that must be followed during diplomatic engagements and meetings with political party leaders.

However, as AIGs, DIGs, SSPs have begun violating these procedures secretly, IGP Aryal has started enforcing stricter measures. The organization has appointed a spokesperson for media interactions and necessary coordination, and an information officer has been assigned at the permanent office to provide information to the media. Therefore, unrelated staff members do not need to meet with the media. The media-related code of conduct has also been strictly enforced to discourage and control such unauthorized activities.

The APF headquarters has intensified its measures to discourage unnecessary pressure for transfers, promotions, and assignments especially due to pressure coming from the Ministry for Home Affairs and the minister’s personal secretariat. During the stint of the previous government, interference in transfers came not only from the Home Minister but also from the Prime Minister’s Office, prompting the APF Headquarters to caution the DIG.

“One DIG was asked for clarification after it was discovered that he had taken favors from the Home Minister and leaders of the Maoist Centre, claiming to have done good work and seeking command positions,” said a staff member of the headquarters. Similarly, other employees have also been warned about accepting favors from political party leaders.

The APF has also begun to control the pressure expected from the impending retirement of one DIG and one SSP in the upcoming month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September). Measures are now being taken to manage internal issues rather than external influence.

Currently, there are two hotline services for internal concerns. Since January 18, 2023, a total of 646 complaints have been received, all of which have been addressed by the APF.

The APF’s move is in line with a circular issued earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which mandated officials of security agencies to obtain approval if they had to meet political party leaders.

The Home Ministry stated that, apart from duty-related matters, if meetings with diplomatic missions or political party offices or leadership are necessary, approval must be obtained for the purpose. The Home Ministry also issued a notice urging that anyone needing to meet with others should do so only after obtaining departmental approval, and has taken steps to ensure compliance.