The polling stations in 439 places in Koshi Province, including Jhapa 5, where former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Balendra Shah have fielded candidates, are extremely insensitive. A month ago, a clash broke out between UML and RSS cadres on the day of nomination registration.

Keeping that sensitivity in mind, the security arrangements in the province have been strengthened, says DIG Binod Ghimire, chief of Koshi Province Police.

He says, ‘Security management is being done in coordination with all three bodies, the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and the National Investigation Department.’ Gaurav Pokharel and Parbat Portel have briefly spoken to DIG Ghimire for Kantipur. Here is an edited excerpt of the conversation: What is the security situation in Koshi Province as the elections approach? So far, the overall security situation in Koshi Province has been satisfactory. Apart from a minor clash in Jhapa-5 on the day of candidacy registration, there have been no serious incidents.

The potential tension was assessed on that day, especially since high-profile candidates were in the fray. After that, we adopted special vigilance. At present, there have been no major clashes or unpleasant incidents except minor incidents of a minor nature. Overall, the security situation is under control and well-managed.

Why is Jhapa-5 on the 'highly sensitive' list?

Former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Balendra Shah are contesting in Jhapa-5. Since there are two high-profile candidates, national and international attention is focused on this area. There were some clashes on the day of candidacy registration. Then, there was an incident of stones being thrown at a party office at night.

But that office was not in regular operation and the incident has been resolved. No serious activity has taken place since then. Keeping Jhapa-5 in mind, it has been decided to mobilize an additional 100-person special team from the Provincial Police Office.

How is the police managing the challenges being created by social media and digital media?

The nature of the challenges in this year's elections is somewhat different. There may be attempts to spoil the atmosphere through social media in an instant. That is why we have established a cyber desk at the provincial level.

Immediate action has been taken if any activity is seen that spreads racial hatred, creates confusion, or misleads by showing foreign images as Nepalese.

For example, a person posting similar misleading content in Sunsari was taken into custody. If necessary, an arrest has been made in coordination with the Cyber ​​Bureau. Surveillance has been increased in the digital space.

How is this year's security management different from previous elections?

The current challenge is not only traditional, but also digital. Therefore, we have mobilized security personnel in plain clothes, increased night patrols, and are holding regular coordination meetings with local political parties, intellectuals, industrialists, and communities.

Attention has been paid not only to physical security but also to information management and coordination. A strategy has been adopted to identify and control potential risks in advance.

It is said that additional security teams will be mobilized from the center as well, how is such a team being mobilized?

'Integrated Security Plan-2082' has been implemented for the House of Representatives elections. 165 constituencies across the country have been classified as highly sensitive, sensitive and normal. Security personnel are being mobilized according to the same plan.

Currently, about 10,000 security personnel are available in Koshi Province. However, according to the plan, it is estimated that more than 12,000 police officers will be required. Similarly, preparations have been made to mobilize more than 23,000 temporary police officers. The necessary manpower management is being done in coordination between the center and the province.

What are the challenges in the hilly and mountainous districts of Koshi?

Natural challenges are more in districts such as Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Taplejung. Traffic may be disrupted due to snowfall, rain and cold weather. In some places, there is no communication connection at all, for which satellite phones have been arranged. There may also be a situation where helicopters may have to be used to transport election materials in remote areas. A plan has been made by identifying 47 such sensitive places.

How challenging is the open border from a security perspective?

Koshi Province has a 427-kilometer border with India and a 258-kilometer border with China. Counter-part meetings have been held with Indian security agencies in Jhapa, Sunsari and Morang for border security. The border will be sealed 72 hours before the election, i.e. from 12 midnight on the 18th. Joint security management will be carried out with the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and Nepal Army. Necessary coordination has also been made on the Indian side.

How confident are you that the election will be held peacefully in Koshi Province?