Following the reporting of sporadic clashes from across the country, the government has stepped up security measures for the March 5 election.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday expressed concern about recent clashes and confrontations between party cadres across the country, while Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal convened a meeting of the central security committee to review the security situation.

The security committee reviewed the overall situation, including recent tensions between the CPN-UML and the Rastratra Swatantra Party in Dang, a curfew in Rauthat, and incidents of clashes in different parts of the country.

During discussions with security officials, the prime minister highlighted local issues in various districts. She expressed concern that as certain political parties were becoming more active in the Tarai region, the competition between them could escalate into clashes.

Karki mentioned that incidents such as burning of party flags have already been reported, and that they could heighten tensions, potentially affecting the election. She emphasised the need for preparation to prevent untoward incidents. She also noted that the effectiveness of election boycotters seems to be weakening. Some groups, in the name of boycotting the election, appear to be using it as an opportunity to demonstrate the existence of their parties and engage in extortion (collecting money or donations).

Later, she instructed the security forces to maintain vigilance to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful and fair manner. “Some forces, which have announced to boycott the polls, are trying to pollute the electoral environment. Even as they lack strength, security forces must be alert [to their activities],” the prime minister said.

Besides the security situation arising after clashes between supporters of political parties, the prime minister also outlined the importance of climate around election time as well as the Holi festival, which falls just two days ahead of March 5.

Holi, one of the country’s major festivals, is marked with revelry, particularly in the Tarai/Madhes. Sporadic clashes during Holi are common.

A senior security official also told the Post that security challenges mount during Holi, as local groups might clash while celebrating the festival. “But we are cautious and have made security arrangements to tackle potential threats,” the official said.

The central security committee meeting led by Home Minister Aryal assigned Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Uma Prasad Chaturvedi to assess the situation in Madhesh Province.

“A decision has been made to assign AIG Chaturvedi to prepare a report by analysing possible activities and security sensitivities that may arise in the Tarai region during the election, and to submit a report after carrying out appropriate actions,” Home Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle after the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed the security situation in Rauthat, where a curfew has been imposed following clashes between two communities on Friday.

The clashes between two religious groups in Gaur Municipality have heightened tensions, compelling the local administration to enforce curfew and mobilise the Nepali Army to contain the situation.

The District Administration imposed curfew orders after confrontation escalated in Ward 6, Sabgadh, Gaur, to violence. Tensions flared when a group of people started hurling bricks and stones during a wedding ceremony on Friday. The situation only worsened on Saturday.

To bring the situation under control, the government has deployed the Army and arrested some leaders who were allegedly behind the clashes.

Kafle said that the meeting urged everyone to work to maintain harmony in Rautahat.

“Regarding the Rautahat incident, all those concerned have been urged to exercise maximum restraint and preserve goodwill. The District Security Committee in Rautahat has been instructed to coordinate with all agencies and ensure appropriate security arrangements,” he said while briefing on the meeting’s decisions.

There have been incidents of burning of political party flags and obstruction of election campaigns in some districts, including Dang and Bara. The ministry said legal action has been initiated in some of those cases.

It has also been decided to urge political parties not to engage in such activities in the future.

All political parties have been requested to fully comply with the election code of conduct during campaigning and to carry out their activities without affecting other political parties, spokesperson Kafle said.

The incident involving the UML flag on Thursday has soured the party’s relations with the RSP.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli accused the RSP of engaging in disruptive activities out of fears that it might not win the election.

Speaking to the media at Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa on Saturday, Oli said the RSP’s recent actions were inappropriate and provocative, aimed at escalating tensions.

“What I feel is that the RSP has concluded they won’t win the election. Therefore, they have started engaging in activities such as burning flags, displaying extremely rude, inappropriate, and provocative behaviours, and trying to create tension."

Oli claimed it was evident that the RSP was trying to disrupt the elections. “Their behaviour suggests that if they feel the election results could be in their favour, they will participate; if not, they will try to disrupt the polls.”

He also reiterated that the entire election process, from polling to counting of votes and announcing results, must be transparent.