Kathmandu Valley steps up security ahead of upcoming festive season

Security arrangements across Kathmandu Valley have been reinforced in preparation for the festive season, with authorities deploying 3,506 personnel to protect residents and property. The strategy focuses on preventing criminal acts, smoothing travel operations and monitoring potential safety risks throughout the region. The operational plan includes enhanced monitoring across 98 specific locations. Deployment figures feature 166 mobile teams, 508 pickets, 210 foot patrols, 152 motorcycle units, 140 cordon-and-search operations, 140 Quick Response Teams, 70 plainclothes officers and 133 checkpoints. Authorities have identified multiple security concerns, including illegal fireworks, drunk driving, irregular ticket booking practices, disputes over passenger solicitation, physical clashes and residential thefts targeting unoccupied buildings during the holiday period. The Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, plans to operate three drones and install public announcement systems in 10 different areas. Additionally, help desks will function at key transit points such as Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor, Jadibuti, Gongabu Bus Park, Balaju, Sitapaila and Jorpati. Law enforcement has encouraged public cooperation under the slogan "Our Security, Our Responsibility". Residents are advised to avoid letting strangers into private spaces and to report suspicious incidents immediately by dialling the emergency number 100.