Valley
Home Ministry unsure of riot control gears procurement
The Home Ministry is not yet sure over procuring the riot-control gears through the government-to-government procurement, a decision that was made by the Cabinet amid escalating violent protest in Tarai districts.The Home Ministry is not yet sure over procuring the riot-control gears through the government-to-government procurement, a decision that was made by the Cabinet amid escalating violent protest in Tarai districts.
Despite the budget being earmarked for the procurement, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force said they were still preparing specifications of such materials, including rubber bullets, batons, shields, riot control vehicles, water canons, among others.
Ministry spokesperson Laxmi Dhakal said they had assigned their subordinated bodies to follow up on the matter and but conceded that they were not yet sure if the buying process would go ahead.
Initially the procurement was planned through government-to-government bid, a fast-track process that is done to procure materials urgently.
The government has long been planning to procure riot-control gears and goods worth Rs 1 billion.
The materials worth Rs650 million will be provided to the Nepal Police, while the rest for the Armed Police Force.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Kamal Singh Bam, spokesperson for Nepal Police, said they are preparing the specifications.
Several security personnel, including a Senior Superintendent of Police, have lost their lives in clashes with protesters, but the security agencies on ground have been blamed for using indiscriminate while taking control of the situation.