Special Security Plan Implemented Nationwide from Today: What’s Different from Previous Years?

With upcoming major festivals in focus, a special security plan has been implemented across the country starting Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for Nepal Police. The plan covers not only general public safety but also industrial establishments and road safety, the spokesperson explained. Following the advice of a former Additional Inspector General of Police, the police emphasized the need to prepare strategies anticipating an increase in theft and robbery incidents due to recent disasters and unemployment conditions.
According to the police, this special security plan will remain in effect for about one and a half months, specifically until Kartik 30 (mid-November) following the Chhath festival. While certain districts had already put this plan into operation a few days earlier, it has now been officially activated nationwide from Wednesday, as confirmed by the police spokesperson.
Under this special security plan, over 50,000 police personnel are to be deployed throughout the country. The central police spokesperson, Avin Narayan Kafle, noted that this year’s plan differs from previous ones due to an extended implementation period, increased manpower, and greater use of technology. Unlike past occasions where security measures were reactive, implemented only after incidents, this time the plan has been activated proactively well in advance. “Special arrangements have been made for the security of homes and business establishments. Particular attention has been given to passenger safety and highway security to reduce road accidents,” Kafle stated.
The police also indicated that special focus will be given to protecting women, children, senior citizens, and gender and sexual minorities. The plan additionally addresses rising misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and scams conducted through digital platforms. “Digital fraud is under close surveillance. Incidents such as fake online shopping, fraudulent festive offers, bogus messages about letters and gifts, and fake investment profit schemes may occur. AI may be used to create counterfeit audio and video,” Kafle informed.
Despite technology-based security monitoring, CCTV coverage has been intensified in main markets, intersections, border checkpoints, and crowded areas. The use of drones has increased, with aerial surveillance also underway, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras wherever possible, and search operations will be conducted using specially trained sniffer dogs at critical locations.
Security experts have warned of potential conflicts between groups during festivals and increased risks of smuggling in border areas. “Due to unemployment and inflation, there remains a constant risk of economic crimes like robbery, theft, and armed robbery,” said former Additional Inspector General of Police Rajendra Singh Bhandari.
Emphasizing the importance of crime control and effective investigation during this period, central police spokesperson Kafle urged the public to celebrate the festivals with peace of mind.