Chapagain, who is also coordinator of the Kailali Security Council, said at a press conference in Tikapur on Monday, "There was clearly poor coordination between the two security forces. Not only this, the commander failed to take justifiable action during the incident." "The commander should not have stayed idle while police officers were being slain right in front of him," he added.Stating that security personal could have opened fire in self-defense without waiting for any order, Chapagain said that during such critical situations it is the high-ranking officers that would be held responsible .
"If one's life is at risk, one can open fire in self-defense without waiting for any orders," he said adding, "the only thing is firepower should not be misused."
"I've heard that APF DSP Laxman Singh fled the scene in his vehicle when SSP of Nepal Police, Laxman Neupane, was being lynched mercilessly," said Chapagain, adding, "This matter will be investigated."
The CDO said he has been taking the initiative for ensuring better coordination between the two security forces, adding that such lapses should not occur in the coming days. Chapagain also informed that security forces throughout the district have been placed on high alert.
According to him, a decision has been taken to study the security situation in the district and establish security units in some places on the basis of that. "An APF base camp will be established at Dhansinghpur and Hasuliya VDCs while Nepal Police and the APF will be jointly mobilized in eight other places," he further informed.
The two security forces will be jointly mobilised at Joshipur, Bouniya and Chaumal along with other places. A Nepal Police post has already been established at Durgauli near Tikapur.
"The prolonged curfew has hit people in the district hard," said Chapagain. "The curfew will be loosened as soon as the situation improves."
CDO Chapagain informed that 18 people have been arrested so far on suspicion of their connection with the Tikapur incident.
At the press meet, he also requested security personnel not to expressly target people of the Tharu community in the wake of Tikapur. "Those breaking the law should not be spared. However, it's wrong to target one particular community."
Eight security personnel including SSP Neupanne and a toddler lost their lives on August 24.
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