Home Minister Aryal asserts elections will proceed undisturbed

Far West: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that the upcoming election will not be disrupted by the incidents of looted weapons and escaped prisoners.

Speaking at a Sudurpaschim provincial-level security seminar held in Dhangadhi today, Home Minister Aryal stated that there is no need to exaggerate the issues related to the weapons looted and prisoners who escaped during the Gen-z movement on Bhadra 23 and 24. He informed that 727 looted weapons have already been recovered, while 4,552 escaped prisoners are yet to return. According to him, an operation has been launched to arrest the remaining fugitives, and the process of returning additional looted weapons is ongoing.

Highlighting that elections are inevitable in a democratic system, he said, “The government has given priority to dialogue and discussion. We are listening to everyone without favoring anyone. We have already entered the election process by incorporating everyone’s concerns.” He added that the government’s main objective is to ensure good governance, maintain the rule of law, operate an interference-free administration, and conduct fair and timely elections.

Home Minister Aryal stated that the Home Administration is sincerely working on peace and security, crime control, good governance, and effective service delivery in the aftermath of the youth-led protests against misgovernance and the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24.

Emphasizing improving trust between citizens and security personnel, he said, “Only when the morale of security personnel is high will the morale of citizens and the nation remain high.” He also stressed the important role of the provincial government in creating a conducive environment for timely elections.

Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to elections. “Since elections can guide the country on the right path, it is necessary for everyone to come together to ensure a favorable election environment,” he said.

Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Hira Sarki said the Government of Nepal must ensure proper security by coordinating with all parties. The security seminar is being held under the chairmanship of Home Ministry Secretary Rameshwor Dangal.

The Inspector Generals of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, the Chief of the National Investigation Department, officers of the Nepal Army, the Commander of the Nepal Army Sudurpaschim Division Headquarters, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief District Officers of all nine districts, and heads of security agencies are participating in the seminar. Officials stated that discussions will focus on provincial-level security challenges.