Nepal Police deploy over 50,000 personnel for Tihar and Chhath security

Nepal Police have launched a nationwide security operation to maintain order during the Tihar and Chhath festivals. According to Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abinarayan Kafle, 50,458 police personnel have been mobilized across the country to protect the public and manage traffic over the holiday period. Gorkhapatra reported the figure, which it attributed to Police Headquarters, on November 5 (Kartik 19).

Enhanced security measures

The plan adapts the arrangements in place since the Dashain festival and concentrates on preventing crimes such as theft, fraud and the illegal sale and use of firecrackers. Kafle said police are following a policy of zero tolerance toward criminal activity, including the smuggling of banned firecrackers and explosive materials. Surveillance has been stepped up at border crossings and the main entry points to Kathmandu. Kafle also said Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki has instructed commanders that the commander of the relevant checkpoint will be held responsible if firecrackers smuggled across the border are caught at Kathmandu's entry points.

Alongside regular patrols and checks, police are using drones, body-worn cameras, CCTV and trained dogs, with extra attention on markets, bus parks, religious sites and other crowded places. According to Gorkhapatra, the Cyber Bureau has been kept on standby to watch social media for misinformation and online fraud.

Traffic management and public safety

In the Kathmandu Valley, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has deployed 1,600 traffic personnel to keep traffic moving and look after passengers. Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, the office's spokesperson, said 14 passenger assistance desks have been set up across the valley. Police Headquarters said desks have been opened at 408 places nationwide.

At bus parks, Jagati and Nagdhunga, technical teams working with traffic police are carrying out mechanical and emission tests on long- and medium-distance public vehicles before they depart. Checks for speeding, overloading and driving under the influence have been stepped up, and officials said they are closely monitoring compliance with the rule that long-distance vehicles carry two drivers. Technical teams and equipment are on standby to clear roads when vehicles break down, Nepal News reported. For Chhath, Subedi said, a separate plan focuses on crowd management and parking near religious sites.

Community cooperation

Police have urged the public to stay vigilant, particularly people leaving their homes empty for the holidays. Residents are advised to secure their homes and valuables, avoid posting travel plans on social media, and report suspicious activity to the police on the toll-free number 100.

Police are also working with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, local governments and district administration offices to check artificial shortages and unreasonable price rises in essential goods. Kafle said police are on duty around the clock, but that public cooperation is essential for a peaceful festival season.