KATHMANDU, MAR 04 - In view of the worsening law and order situation across the country, the government has decided to review the much-hyped Special Security Plan (SSP), which has been in place for the past eight months. Government officials have claimed that SSP, which provides additional policing in 27 “sensitive” districts, is a success.

The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to this effect following some high-profile assassinations and threats to members of the business community and the media in recent weeks.

The Madhav Kumar Nepal government endorsed the security plan last July with the aim of immediately implementing it in 27 Tarai and Eastern Hill districts and the three districts in Kathmandu Valley.

“We will hold in-depth consultations with various stakeholders before the revised security plan comes into effect. Certainly, the government will review lapses that are affecting the plan,” Minister for Information and Communications Shanker Pokhrel said after the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet also decided to “put in place more security mechanisms to restore law and order.”

While the SSP made some headway in the early months of the Nepal-led government, it has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, especially the poor state of police personnel and micro-management of the police force by political leaders, including Home Minister Bhim Rawal.

The SSP had set out half a dozen major goals: tackle organised crime, get rid of highway blockades, deal with cases of impunity, ensure essential public services, restrict forced closure of public offices and educational institutions and increase public participation in security management.

But it has faced serious setback due to inadequate funds, low police morale, and unwillingness on the part of security personnel to work in “vulnerable regions,” said a Cabinet minister.

In a related development, a delegation of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce met Home Minister Rawal on Wednesday, but he failed to reassure them, said a businessman. 

“He has assured us enhanced security but we want  immediate security initiative from the government,” said FNCCI Vice President Bhaskar Raj Karnikar. “The home minister told us he would forward the proposal of Industrial Security Force (ISF) to the Cabinet soon.” The proposed ISF will be responsible for the security of major industries.

Posted on: 2010-03-04 08:04

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