Miscellaneous
Officials discuss security issues in view of Morcha protests
Officials of security agencies on Monday discussed possible challenges to holding local level polls in the eastern Tarai districts if the Madhes-based parties refuse to participate in elections.Officials of security agencies on Monday discussed possible challenges to holding local level polls in the eastern Tarai districts if the Madhes-based parties refuse to participate in elections.
Presenting a security plan at a meeting of the regional security committee in Biratnagar, officials were of the view that security threat could hamper polls in some Tarai districts, particularly Saptari, Siraha, Morang, Sunsari and Jhapa.
Regional Administrator Rajeshowrman Singh said he had informed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi about the security situation in the eastern districts.
Morang Chief District Officer Yagyaraj Koirala, Sunsari Chief District Officer Gopal Parajuli and regional police chief DIG Ramesh Bhattarai briefed the meeting about the scenario and possible challenges to holding polls in these districts.
Of the 16 districts of the eastern region, Saptari and Siraha, the two districts in Province 2, have been categorised as sensitive areas.
DIG Bhattarai said security personnel could face a major challenge when it comes to dealing with illegal activities in the districts that have open border with India. “Smuggling of small arms through Nepal-India porous border could make situation difficult,” he said, adding that security personnel have been already mobilised to monitor border areas. Meanwhile, DPM Nidhi on Monday held talks with Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur for around 20 minutes at Biratnagar airport.
The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has announced protests and warned of disrupting polls.
Earlier, the Election Commission had also expressed concern about the Morcha’s protests, especially in Province 2, and called for consensus among parties to ensure an environment where all parties, in and outside Parliament, can be accommodated for the successful holding of polls slate from May 14.