KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the Nepal Army will play a crucial role in restoring law and order in the country and in successfully conducting the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

During her inspection of the Nepali Army Headquarters in Bhadrakali on Friday, Karki said, in line with the government’s mandate, the army will take the main responsibility in ensuring security and creating an environment for free, fair, and fear-free elections. She expressed confidence that the army, with its proud history, would once again fulfill its election-related security responsibilities successfully.

“I direct the army to move ahead with a clear action plan to reassure people about their safety, to facilitate and support police operations, and to ensure that all political parties can conduct their activities without obstruction,” Karki said, addressing senior army officials.

Stating that no one should lose their life or be injured during the upcoming election, Karki instructed the security agencies to work flawlessly, drawing on past electoral experience and analysing the various dimensions of the approaching polls.

The Prime Minister also directed the security agencies, including the police, to cooperate in tracing and recovering weapons looted or lost during the Gen Z protests, to maintain peace and security in the country, and to support police deployed to arrest fugitives.

During the visit, senior army officials briefed PM Karki on election security preparations.

Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.