Home Minister Kamal Thapa

Home Minister Kamal Thapa (File Photo)
Home Minister Kamal Thapa has urged the voters to participate in the municipal elections “to fulfil the commitment towards peace and democracy”, vowing to take stern action against those trying to disrupt Wednesday’s polls.

Speaking at a press briefing organized at the ministry of Home Ministry on Tuesday, minister Mr. Thapa has said, “Adequate security preparations have been made to hold the municipal elections in an independent and free and fair manner. I urge the voters to cast their votes fearlessly.”

The minister also expressed his confidence that the voters would participate in the elections and lauded the ‘boldness’ of the election candidates.

The government, he said, has adopted all necessary measures to curb the probable violence by the Maoists during elections and added that strict instructions have been given to security forces to deal with untoward activities.

Security personnel have been given the authority to take toughest action against anybody trying to bar the voters from going to the polling stations or any action aimed at disrupting the elections. When asked by media persons if the security men have been given the authority to shoot those trying to disrupt the polls, minister Thapa’s only reaction was, “Yes”.

Meanwhile, issuing separate public notices, the district administrations of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur prohibited vehicular movement, except under special category, during the municipal elections Wednesday from 6 in the morning till 8 in the evening.