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Kathmandu, Jan 23: Committed to “peace, security, and dedication,” the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal celebrates 25 years of its distinguished service today. Established on Magh 9, 2057 BS, the force was formed during a challenging period to maintain peace, protect citizens’ lives and property, and uphold national security.

The formation followed recommendations from the “Armed Police Service Formation Study Committee–2056,” chaired by then-Home Secretary Khemraj Regmi. Based on these suggestions, King Birendra issued the Armed Police Ordinance, 2057, formally creating the APF. Krishna Mohan Shrestha was appointed the first Inspector General. He, along with his wife and senior officials, was martyred in a shooting during an early morning inspection on Magh 12, 2059 BS.

Initially, the government assigned the APF 13 key mandates, including controlling armed conflicts, insurgencies, and separatist or terrorist activities. Over time, the force has taken on additional responsibilities such as revenue, customs, industrial, and railway security.

According to APF Deputy Spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, over 25 years the force has strengthened its organizational structure, training, manpower development, and military discipline while effectively executing state-assigned tasks. Today, the APF is recognized as a reliable institution for border security, internal security, revenue support, and disaster management, with high priority given to safeguarding borders and responding to emergencies.

The APF began securing major customs points on Mangsir 1, 2061 BS, and took dedicated responsibility for border security from Falgun 8, 2063 BS. It now operates seven reserve battalions, 45 border offices, and 215 outposts, also assisting in revenue collection.

To enhance cross-border security, the APF runs the “Armed Police with Border Communities” program, supporting infrastructure development, awareness sessions, health camps, and skill-building initiatives.

The force has also established disaster management training centers, including the Kurintar facility in Chitwan and the Manang Mountain Rescue Training Center, to train skilled personnel for emergency response and high-altitude rescue operations.

The APF’s 25-year journey reflects a commitment to safeguarding Nepal’s people, borders, and resilience against crises.

People’s News Monitoring Service