Home Ministry says situation doesn't require army deployment yet

KATHMANDU, Sept 2: Despite the flared up security situation in Parsa and Bara districts on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has said that the security situation doesn't yet require army deployment to tackle the growing menace in the two districts.

A meeting of the security chiefs of Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF) and National Intelligence Department (NID) at the Home Ministry on Tuesday said that their assessment of the security scenario didn't warrant the deployment of army as the situation was under control of Nepal Police and APF till date."In order to bolster security in the riot-hit zones, the need for deploying the Nepal Army (NA) was sought in the wake of the Kailali incident but army personnel have been confined to their bases as of now," said Home Secretary Surya Prasad Silwal, who also participated in the command post meeting that is organized at the ministry when tensions arise.

"The mobilization of NA personnel would definitely help strengthen the arm of the civil authority but the security lapse has been exaggerated unnecessarily," Secretary Silwal added.

In case the situation goes out of control, the NA will intervene under the orders of the Chief District Officer, according to Silwal. Army will also assist in opening road blockages, patrolling and escorting vehicular movements.

"It is our prime responsibility to maintain peace and provide foolproof security to life, property and ensure the people's rights to perform their daily activities without any fear. We are not compromising on any demands that threaten the livelihood of the people in the name of exercising democratic rights," added the home secretary.

The NA had earlier said that it would assist the civil authority in maintaining peace, security, social harmony and national integrity in the riot-hit areas as per the local governance act.

Home Ministry Spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal said that the government so far has imposed curfew in four districts - Kailali, Dang, Rautahat, and Parsa - and declared different areas within the districts as riot-hit zones.

"As the situation is returning to normalcy at some places, we are about to minimize the length of curfew and lower the riot-hit areas as per the demand of the security needs," said Joint Secretary Dhakal.

Since the thorny issue of provincial demarcation came into discussion in the draft constitution, more than two dozen people, including security personnel, have lost their lives in the last few weeks and over hundred have been injured.

As the political parties have been preparing to bring the constitution by mid-September, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu has extended prohibitory orders near the President's office, Vice President's office, Prime Minister's residence, CA Chair's residence, CA building and near Singha Durbar, keeping in view of the security sensitivity in those areas.

Related story

Nepali recruit in Russian Army reveals direct deployment to war...