10 polling stations in Mustang classified as sensitive

MUSTANG: 10 out of 39 polling stations in Mustang have been categorized as sensitive ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

The classification was made based on geographical remoteness and voter population. Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said the specific locations of the sensitive polling stations have not been disclosed for security reasons.

“The District Security Committee has identified certain polling stations as sensitive for various reasons. We have kept their details confidential and are making special security arrangements with priority focus on those areas,” she said, adding that the situation at other polling stations remains normal.

For election security, 312 temporary police personnel have been deployed, along with teams from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, to guard all polling centres in the district. A total of 216 election staff are scheduled to reach their respective stations with voting materials by March 2.

Given the high-altitude terrain, special health and safety measures have been arranged for security personnel and election workers. Specialist doctors have been stationed in Lomanthang to support staff deployed in Upper Mustang, while health centres and posts in all wards, including Lomanthang and Loghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities, have been kept on standby.

District Election Officer Lokendra Gyawali said five types of medicines for altitude-related dizziness have been supplied to 21 high-altitude polling stations. Due to possible landslide risks at several polling stations in Upper Mustang, Loghekar Damodarkunda and Waragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities, first-aid kits and portable oxygen cans have also been arranged.

As part of security measures, the Nepal-China border will remain closed from the night of March 2 until the night of March 5. The sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol have been banned in the district from Friday night until voting concludes on March 5.

Additionally, the movement of public and private vehicles, except those providing essential services, will be restricted from the night of March 4 until the completion of polling.