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Kathmandu, Jan 27: Security measures have been stepped up ahead of the House of Representatives elections scheduled for February 21. Authorities have identified key risks, including clashes between rival party cadres, tensions between youth groups and political parties, and security concerns linked to the open border. Plans have been adjusted to address these risks.

As campaigning gathers pace, the Ministry of Home Affairs says security agencies have been deployed to ensure that election programs, candidate movements, and other political activities proceed without disruption. The focus, officials say, is to prevent violence and maintain order throughout the campaign period.

Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle said the safety of candidates remains the top priority. Nepal Police Central Spokesperson Abhinarayan Kafle added that district-level special teams have been formed through District Security Committees to provide targeted protection to candidates where needed.

Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Army, and the National Investigation Department have been mobilized, both jointly and independently, depending on the situation. To strengthen coordination, the government has set up a Central Security Command under the leadership of the Home Secretary.

The Central Command Post was formed following a meeting of the National Security Council and is headed by Rajkumar Shrestha, Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The command includes senior officials from all four security agencies and operates under the direction of the Central Security Committee.

In addition, each security agency has established its own command post to ensure round-the-clock coordination and quick response. The Ministry said the security mechanism has also been activated in all 77 districts under the leadership of Chief District Officers, with local-level planning tailored to district-specific risks.

Authorities say the overall goal is to ensure a peaceful election environment and allow voters, candidates, and officials to carry out their roles without fear or disruption. People’s News Monitoring Service