Secretary General Pandey Observed Security Personnel Appeared Helpless on 9 September Incident

Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary General of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, experienced that security personnel appeared helpless on 9 September. Pandey acknowledged the absence of a pre-planned contingency plan to minimize damage to the parliament building. He also suggested the need to strengthen the security system following the relocation of the parliament building within the Singha Durbar complex. Kathmandu, 24 March.

Pandey shared that on 9 September, he felt security personnel seemed somewhat helpless. His statement has been included in the report of the investigative commission. While giving evidence to the commission, Pandey noted that due to curfews in Kathmandu and Lalitpur on that day, he stayed at home. However, he said, “I perceived that the security personnel appeared somewhat helpless that day.”

He stated that there had been no prior assessment indicating a high risk before the incident. He admitted, “I acknowledge that there was no pre-planned contingency plan to reduce damage to the parliament building.” Additionally, he pointed out problems arising from the lack of organized formal structures such as the Rules of Engagement (ROE) within security agencies.

Looking ahead to the future relocation of the parliament building within the Singha Durbar complex, Pandey recommended that the government include the parliamentary security system within the comprehensive Singha Durbar security plan. He emphasized that to raise the level of security, it is essential to have a forecasting system, adequate equipment, strong infrastructure, ROE, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and regular risk assessments.