KATHMANDU, Nov 29: Carter Center has recommended the government to launch awareness programs about the Special Security Plan (SSP) launched in some Tarai and hill districts.
The recommendation comes in the wake of various ethnic groups including those operating in the eastern hills and Tarai districts protesting against the plan. They have argued that the plan is aimed at suppressing their rightful demands.
In its latest report released Sunday, the Atlanta-based non-governmental organization noted that the security situation ´moderately improved´ in the troubled districts in the aftermath of the launching of the plan, but added that situation in parts of the Tarai continued to remain poor.
“It is positive step that there have been improvements in the security environment in some areas,” a press statement quoted Dr David Pottie, the Carter Center´s Associate Director for Democracy Program as saying. “But more works needs to be done to strengthen the rule of law throughout Nepal and ensure that all Nepali citizens are able to fully enjoy peace and security in their daily lives.”
Among other things, the Carter Center has asked the government and political parties to take necessary steps to prevent political interference into police affairs, stop official corruption and take action against those who commit crimes irrespective of their political affiliation.
The Carter Center has attributed increased police presence, cross-border cooperation, government talks with the agitating armed groups and changes in local administration as main reasons behind the improved security situation in eastern and central Tarai.
The report says that the SSP has helped with boosting police presence and morale in high priority districts.
The report said that the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) cadres have been active in interfering with tender processes, are collecting taxes and forced donations and charging mediation fees. It also noted that the CPN-UML-affiliated Youth Force is also engaged in similar activities in a number of districts.
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