National
‘Zero tolerance against anti-election activities’
Seventeen days before the second phase of local polls, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday instructed security bodies to adopt zero tolerance against individuals or groups that stage anti-election activities. The polls are scheduled to be held in four provinces on June 28.Seventeen days before the second phase of local polls, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday instructed security bodies to adopt zero tolerance against individuals or groups that stage anti-election activities. The polls are scheduled to be held in four provinces on June 28.
In a security briefing on Sunday evening, Home Minister Janardan Sharma directed chiefs of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the National Investigation Department to take adequate measures to thwart the activities of those who try to disrupt election campaigns, threaten or intimidate candidates, and conduct or incite activities of vandalism and clashes.
Particular focus has been on the districts of Province 2 which in the past few weeks have seen increased illegal activities by the cadres of the Communist Party Nepal led by Netra Bikram Chand. More than 20 activists have already been arrested, some with explosives from districts including Bara, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Rautahat, Saptari, Sarlahi and Siraha.
“Strong security measures are in place on the ground. No anti-election activity will be accepted,” said Deepak Kafle, spokesperson for the Home Ministry.
The Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal on Sunday announced programmes, including an indefinite general strike from June 24, to disrupt the polls. Also, clashes are reported in the eight districts between the Madhes-based parties that support and oppose the elections.
On Sunday, cadres of the RJP-N clashed with police at Rajbiraj in Saptari.
Cadres of the newly united party had tried to foil an interaction which Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav was scheduled to address.
Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav faced irate cadres of the RJP-N on Sunday as he organised an election campaign in Madhubangot of Sarlahi. Security was heightened in the area after hundreds of RJP-N cadres showed black flags and blocked way to the programme venue. Clashes were also reported between the cadres of the parties.
According to a security assessment, clashes are possible between supporters of the competing parties. The meeting decided to ask all the parties to inform the District Administration Office prior to holding election campaigns.
The District Security Committee is authorised to make on sight arrests of individuals deemed as threat to the election.
The government is planning to deploy more than 150,000 security personnel for the upcoming vote.