Security Tightened in Jhapa-5 Ahead of Elections

Security measures have been tightened in Jhapa-5 ahead of the upcoming elections. With high-profile candidates such as former prime minister and CPN-UML chair K.P. Sharma Oli and senior Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balen Shah contesting the seat, the Ministry of Home Affairs has placed special priority on security in the area.

To ensure election security, the district police have deployed large teams under the command of five deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) in the constituency. Ordinarily only the Damak Area Police Office would have a DSP post, but the ministry has sent four additional DSPs specifically for the election period.

Each local level unit within Jhapa-5 now has a police contingent led by a DSP, including in Gaurigunj, Gauradaha, and Kamal rural municipalities. More than 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in the area, and in recent days the Koshi Province Police Office contributed an additional 100 officers.

According to Jhapa District Police Chief Superintendent of Police Basundhara Khadka, the number of police in the district has been increased three-fold compared with previous elections. She said there are sufficient security forces to ensure a peaceful poll.

Across the country, the government has also sent additional units of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) to all seven provinces to support election security.

The Home Ministry has instructed teams led by senior officers from Superintendent of Police (SP) to DSP level to remain in the field until voting is completed. Although there were reports that another SP might be arriving in Jhapa, that official has not yet appeared.