KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Oli has said that the upcoming mid-term elections would be organized in a fair, impartial, and free manner.

“The country is hell-bent preparing for the elections. Time has come for security agencies to play an important role, who have an equal role in accomplishing the poll for the House of Representatives scheduled for 30 April and 10 May in a peaceful way,” he said addressing an event organized here on Friday on the occasion of the 20th establishment day of the Armed Police Force (APF).

In the first phase, the elections would be held in Province 2 and Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces while it would take place in Province 1 and Bagmati and Karnali Provinces in the second phase, he said.

“However, a decision in regard to the phase-wise conduction of polls has not been made so far. The process will be moved ahead accordingly.”

He drew the attention of security agencies to the attempts being done to cause untoward incidents in this situation and also directed them to arrest the unruly people beforehand.

In another context, PM Oli said the administration of Covid-19 vaccines would begin from 27 January and the workforce has been managed to this effect.

The campaign to overcome the virus in Nepal has reached a turning point, he claimed. He also urged all to adopt cautionary measures against the virus and praised the APF for their commendable role in maintaining peace and assisting people in times of crisis.

On the occasion, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa directed the APF to play an instrumental role in the changed present situation and be prepared to control rebellion and criminal activities.

Similarly, Inspector General, APF, Shailendra Khanal said the department has done its duty firmly. It aims to increase the number of APF border out-posts along Nepal-India borders to 220 this year, he said. On the occasion, APF athlete Pushpa Bhandari, who won a gold medal in Dhaka Marathon held in Bangladesh, was honored.

Likewise, former Senior Superintendent, APF Dhan Bahadur Thapa was honored with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’.