After the Citizen Relation and Constitution Suggestion Committee of the Constituent Assembly forwarded the Nepal Police's feedback on renaming the Armed Police Force as Armed Security Force (ASF), the APF has begun fierce political lobbying to keep its name intact.Inspector General of APF Kosh Raj Onta on Sunday called on UML Chairman KP Oli, Home Minister and Vice Chairman Bamdev Gautam, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Puspakamal Dahal Prachanda and Senior leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, MPRF(D) Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar, among others, and suggested the leaders not to drop the word 'Police' from the organization's established name.
According to an APF official, IGP Onta explained the problems a name change could create in mobilization and jurisdiction of the APF.
The newly introduced APF Regulation 2015 has already guaranteed government protection to APF officials while carrying out their professional duties. The political leaders in return consoled the delegation and assured to take necessary steps in the spirit of the APF suggestion.
Similarly, the APF has put forth the demands of higher standing in the hierarchy between the two institutions in the new constitution.
"As a responsible organization of the country, we visited senior leaders of major political parties as a follow up on our earlier feedback on draft constitution," said the APF Spokesperson DIG Puspa Ram KC.
DIG KC said that the APF suggested the parties to establish a hierarchy reflecting the practice worldwide, which puts the paramilitary force higher in rank to civilian security force.
If we ignore international standards, it will invite controversies over jurisdiction and responsibility of the APF in the future, he said.
The APF is tasked with managing armed insurgency, separatist activities, terrorist activities, riots and protecting VIPs and vital installations. APF personnel are also deployed in rescue missions and for border security.
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