Minister for Information and Communications Madhav Prasad Paudel, who is also a Spokesperson for the government, said the government does not intend to use excessive force but it is our responsibility to protect the voting rights of the people.[break]
He also hinted that the government is making attempts to seek a political settlement with the poll-opposing political parties. He, however, said that it would be too early to give the details.
A source at the prime minister´s office on Friday said the government, in coordination with the four major political parties, is preparing to hold talks with the poll opposing parties.
About a week ago, the government had said it was on “wait and watch” mode. A highly placed Nepal Police official said, “Consensus between the government, major parties and the poll opposing parties is unlikely. So we are prepared to tackle the situation.”
The newly appointed Spokesperson of Nepal Police SSP Ganesh KC said, “We are prepared to face the challenge.”
Nepal Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Jagadish Chandra Pokharel said that as the election approaches, the army will be more attentive and active. The reserved force, air force and other technical team along with the explosive ordnance disposal units will remain more attentive, he said.
According to NA Directorate of Public Affairs (DPR), NA explosives ordnance team was deployed in 17 incidents to defuse bombs planted by poll opposing forces. Pokharel said half of the cases turned out to be hoax while in other cases NA team found hand made bombs.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Home Affairs has also intensified seizure of illegal weapons keeping in view possible security threats during the election. According to the ministry, police have seized around 48 small arms in the past few weeks.
Similarly, the Home Ministry has also claimed that incidents of bomb explosion and use of illegal arms have decreased recently. In the past three months, police have seized 99 rifles, 35 small arms and 164 bullets. Last year, police had seized 16 rifles, 48 small arms and 245 bullets.
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