The increase in the number of security personnel deployed on the ground is aimed at boosting confidence among voters about poll security and thwarting possible anti-election activities

KATHMANDU, Dec 4: Amid increasing instances of minor bomb explosions targeted at poll candidates and their campaigns, the government has stepped up security arrangement in various districts where the second phase of parliamentary and provincial assembly elections will be held on December 7. 

Senior officials at the home ministry said they have not only significantly increased the number of security personnel on the ground but also stepped up vigilance across the districts identified as 'sensitive ones' in view of the recent instances of explosion and other activities by anti-poll elements. The home ministry has mobilized additional security personnel, pulling them from various 32 districts that saw the election in the first phase on November 26.

On the streets in the capital city on Sunday, an additional number of security personnel including Nepal Police, temporary police and Armed Police Force (APF) personnel could be seen carrying out security checks, while Nepal Army (NA) personnel conducted regular patrols on the streets. The security checks were also stepped up in the capital city and beyond to thwart any possible instances of explosion and other anti-poll activities. 

Home ministry spokesperson Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi said the deployment of security personnel has been increased after a spate of violent incidences in the past few days. “Security personnel have been mobilized in a visible manner to help hold free and fair poll in an environment without fear,” he said. 

Duwadi said the additional mobilization of security personnel on the streets has already yielded positive results in the capital city. While nearly half a dozen cases of explosion were reported in the capital city on an average in the last few days, there was only one case of bomb threat in Jyatha area in the capital reported till late evening on Sunday. NA personnel later detonated the explosive safely. 

Officials said the increased deployment of security personnel on the ground is aimed at boosting confidence among voters about the poll security and thwarting possible anti-election activities including bomb explosion. 

Sources said the home ministry has issued circulars to all Chief District Officers (CDO) to ensure 'flawless security' to the poll candidates and their campaign. “We have been instructed to ensure flawless poll security environment in our respective districts. We have been directed not to cite any excuses over security lapses,” said the CDO of an eastern hill district, asking not to be named. “Security personnel are working day and night to thwart untoward incidents.”

Following the incidents of attacks targeting poll candidates, the local administrations of all 45 districts witnessing poll in the second phase have stepped up security checks along the major roads. They have also deployed security personnel for each poll candidate, increased vigilance against anti-poll elements to ensure that no explosives are planted at the venues of major poll rallies. 

Officials said they have arranged a three-layer security for the polling stations. While Nepal Police and temporary police personnel will be deployed in the first layer, the Armed Police Force (APF) personnel are deployed in the second layer for the security of the polling stations. Nepal Army personnel will be in the third layer of security for the polling stations. 

 
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