The APF team has already begun political lobbying as a team of top-ranking APF officers led by IGP Kosh Raj Onta called on senior leaders of the major four political parties on Sunday. As per sources, the team visited CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leader leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam and Madhesi People's Rights Forum (Democratic) Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar.
“As a responsible organization of the country, we visited senior leaders of four major political parties as a follow up on our earlier feedback on draft constitution,” APF Spokesperson DIG Puspha Ram KC told Myrepublica, without divulging names of the leaders visited by the APF officers.
DIG KC says “We have suggested that the parties prepare the hierarchy of the security forces considering the practice worldwide,” and further adds, “The paramilitary force always stands higher in rank to civilian security force as per international standard.”
KC said that the request was made to prevent further controversy on jurisdiction and to mark a clear responsibility of the organization in the future. “Failing to adhere to the international standard will invite controversies on jurisdiction and responsibility of the APF in the future,” he said.
APF has already submitted its feedback in the new constitution, also recommending a review of the hierarchy of the security force as per international standard.
A source privy to the today’s meeting said that the delegation also suggested the leaders not to drop the word ‘Police’ from the organization’s established name Armed Police Force. “The Armed Police Force sans police word will bring more controversy in the mobilization and jurisdiction of the force,” the source added.
The newly introduced APF Regulation 2015 has already guaranteed government protection to APF officials while carrying out their professional duties.
A retired top-ranking officer of the APF says “There should not be any issue between the two forces as it must be understood that a force paramilitary in nature and with more arms naturally falls above a civil service unit in the hierarchy.”
“The topic wasn’t of much relevance earlier but since the constitution will help mark a clear area of jurisdiction, things must be sorted out to avoid future confusion,” he adds.
"APF personnel can use optimum force to remove obstructions while carrying out their duties,” Chapter-8 of the new APF Regulation states regarding roles, duties and rights of the APF.
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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