KATHMANDU: Nepal Police has introduced a nationwide special security plan targeting Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals to maintain peace and security and prevent criminal activities during the festive period.
Under the plan, police have stepped up security deployment across the country to prevent theft, fraud, robbery, gambling, betting and other unlawful activities.
Police have urged the public to conduct Deusi-Bhailo programmes in a dignified manner and within the time limits prescribed by local administrations. Fire brigades and disaster management teams have also been kept on 24-hour standby to respond to fires and accidents involving firecrackers and fireworks.
Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Abinarayan Kafle said special inspection and monitoring teams had been deployed at border points, customs offices, public transport hubs and major marketplaces.
He said police were actively monitoring the illegal transportation, storage, sale and distribution of explosives, including firecrackers. Plainclothes personnel have also been deployed in areas considered vulnerable to gambling, betting and other criminal activities.
Police have appealed to the public to refrain from using firecrackers during Tihar and to keep children away from explosives. They have also urged people to avoid excessive noise and disturbances associated with alcohol and other intoxicants and celebrate the festivals responsibly.
The public has been asked to immediately contact the nearest police office or fire brigade in the event of a fire or accident. People have also been encouraged to report the illegal sale and distribution of firecrackers through the police emergency hotline 100.
Meanwhile, market monitoring has been intensified in coordination with the Department of Commerce, local governments and district administrations to prevent black marketing, artificial shortages, unjustified price hikes and consumer fraud during the festive season.
Police will also conduct checks on drivers’ licences, alcohol and drug consumption, passenger capacity, the availability of two drivers on long-distance routes and the mechanical condition of vehicles to enhance road safety.
Nepal Police has called on everyone to cooperate with security personnel and celebrate the festivals peacefully, emphasizing the importance of effective security mobilization, information technology and public participation in ensuring public safety and smooth movement during the festive period.
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