Valley security tightened

March 28, 2006
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The government has beefed up security in and outside Kathmandu Valley to control the possible ‘infiltration of Maoist rebels’ in the protest programmes of the seven-party opposition alliance slated for the next week.

Various newspapers reports quoted security sources as saying that the infiltration of the rebels was very likely after the SPA (Seven Party Alliance) and the Maoists reached to an understanding to launch movement against the present regime.

The Himalayan Times quoted Additional Inspector General of Police, Krishna Basnet, confirming the tightening of security in the valley. Similarly, Rajdhani quoted sources that joint teams of Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police and National Investigation Department have been deployed under cover to watch about the movement of leaders of the seven parties and their sister organizations.

The dailies also quoted the officials as saying that security forces have been monitoring people arriving in Kathmandu valley in the recent days. “We are in close contact with the hotel and lodge owners and collecting information on people staying there,” Basnet told The Himalayan Times.

The government is said to have been discussing to arrest some 200 leaders before the start of general strike called by the political parties from April 6 and their mass protest programme on April 8. Rajdhani stated that a security meeting was held in home ministry on Monday to discuss ways to suppress the movement and force the transport entrepreneurs to continue their services during the bandhs.

The home ministry has already notified that security in Kathmandu valley has been tightened. The ministry also banned pillion riders on motorbikes claiming that Maoists have been using motorbikes for violent activities. The ban on pillion riding would be in place till April 12, the home ministry has said.

Apart from ban on pillion riding, security checks and patrols have also been intensified both in the valley and in those vehicles traveling on long routes. Armoured Personnel Carriers, Ferrets and Mine Protected Vehicles may be mobilized in major cities and highways during the general strike.

The Himalayan Times also quoted sources as saying that the security chief’s meeting has been discussing if the cell-phone service can be blocked again for a few days, which the government has several times in the past.

Hundreds of leaders were arrested from across the country a day before the mass rally of seven-party alliance on January 20 stating that the Maoists rebels may infiltrate the movement. Many leaders and human rights activists arrested on that day still remain in custody while others have been released on orders given by the Supreme Court.