It has not even been two weeks since Koshi Pradesh Police Chief DIG Ishwar Karki came down to the provincial capital Biratnagar to take charge. DIG Karki is currently busy receiving the welcome honors of industrialists. Especially Biratnagar industrialists have a tradition - to welcome and honor new police chiefs. Karki is encouraged to follow that tradition.
Biratnagar industrialists and businessmen's organizations are welcoming and honoring him one after the other. He has participated in the 'Welcome and Honor' programs organized by organizations like Nepal Industry Confederation, Nepal Industry and Trade Association. Some other industrial organizations are waiting for their turn to honor him.
As soon as he assumed the chair of the police chief, people started raising questions about Karki's behavior through social media. What is the first priority of the police chief? Peace and security or Abeer Mala?', a commoner of Biratnagar said.
Instead of paying attention to issues such as smuggling, criminal activities, security of the border area, which are matters of public interest, the common people accuse him of enjoying food, garlands and abir.
Home Minister Ramesh Akhtar gave strict instructions to control the smuggling going on in the Koshi region on Baisakh 30 last year. However, in Koshi province, the police chief's priority is the exact opposite.
"We were expecting security improvements, but the police chief was busy with respect", said a civilian, "this is the sad part."
People's trust in security agencies is strengthened when they appear to be vigilant, impartial and people-oriented. But the "preoccupation focused on respect" of the police leadership has cast doubt on that belief.
Now the question arises, Is the police chief a person who walks around receiving respect or a responsible officer who focuses on the law and order and public safety of the state?
