KATHMANDU: Considering the necessity of deploying the Armed Police Force at the border for the prevention and control of coronavirus related threats at the border, the government has decided to mobilize Nepal Army for the backup of Nepal police deployed in different parts of the country from Jun 15.

In its Jun 11th letter to the authority under the Ministry of Home and Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Defense has cited the need to substitute the Armed Police Force by the Nepal Army so that the former can be deployed in the border as planned by the government.

“Realizing the need to deploy additional security forces in the border to prevent and mitigate the health hazards induced by the pandemic, the security forces of the police deployed for the security of various important sites, projects and academies will be substituted with the NA personnel,” the letter reads.

However, the duties that are to be accomplished by the Nepal Police as assigned in various legal provisions are to be executed by the police itself.

The letter has claimed that the decision to mobilize the army in this context is as per the Sub-clause 4, Article 267 of the Constitution of Nepal.

According to the details offered in the letter, the APF deployed at the Prison Security Base Morang, Parsa, Mahottari, Makawanpur, Lalitpur, Banke, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and Tulsipur and Ghorai of Dang and along with the Prison Security Post of Sunsari will be substituted by Nepal Army.

In addition to it, the APF personnel ensuring the hydroelectricity stations and the projects of national pride will be deployed at the border from Jun 15 onwards and NA will take responsibility for providing security there.

Likewise, the APF providing security in Arun III Sankhuwasabha, Upper Tamakoshi Dolakha, Mid Bhotekoshi Sindhupalchowk, Melamchi Drinking Water Project Sundarijal Kathmandu, Upper Hydroelectricity Kaski, BPC Pyuthan, Upper Karnali Dailekh, Chameliya Darchula, Pancheswor Baitadi, Kalanga Gad Bajhang will join to their fellow staffs providing security at the border; Nepal Army will substitute APF in these sites.