Dispute surface between Nepal Police and APF over security jurisdiction at TIA

Published On: January 22, 2024 11:00 AM NPT By: Tapendra Karki

KATHMANDU, Jan 22: A serious conflict of jurisdiction between the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) has surfaced following the mobilization of the APF for the security checks of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the passenger arrival lounge.

The dispute surfaced due to lack of clear delineation of the APF’s operational domain for airport security as mandated by international border security protocols.

While the airport security was previously managed by private security personnel, the airport customs office recently assigned APF to conduct security checks in the passenger arrival hall.

Nepal Police initially sought a role in the area where private security personnel were deployed, but now the Nepal Police has expressed dissatisfaction after APF has received the same role.

The APF claimed that 30 armed officers have been stationed at the international terminal arrival hall, operating under the command of the TIA Customs Office. To enhance security measures, the APF has been mobilized under the customs head's command, a role previously sought by Nepal Police.

Home Ministry’s Spokesperson Narayan Bhattarai said that both agencies will work in coordination. "There is no such thing as conflict. The assigned duties will be accomplished in coordination and the security situation is being strengthened," said Bhattarai.

The APF has also denied the jurisdictional dispute with Nepal Police. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shailendra Thapa, who is also Assistant Spokesperson of the APF, said that the APF were mobilized as per the mandate given by the government.

Following the recovery of approximately 61 kg of gold from the airport, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha attempted to deploy Nepal Police, but Shretha backed away after the Ministry of Finance asserted it was their area of work. The Department of Customs under the Finance Ministry has sought to mobilize the APF personnel under the command of APF Inspector.

The Tribhuvan Airport Security Office, responsible for airport security, is led by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police. But since the high-ranking officers of the police stationed at the airport security have also been embroiled in controversy, the finance ministry has decided to deploy the APF personnel at the airport.