NA’s equine gift to police for traffic management in capital city

Kathmandu / November 9: What does one security agency provide in gift to another security agency? The first thing that pops up in our mind is weapons. But in an unexpected and surprising turn of event, Nepal Army on Monday extended ten horses to Nepal Police in gift.

The NA’s present of horses to be used in maintaining traffic in the bustling capital city is also aimed at widening the expanse of cooperation and relations existing between these two security organs.

The national army handed over 10 of 100 horses in its force for traffic management amidst a ceremony held at NA headquarters, Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) said.

The 10 horses were selected as the most appropriate to be used in the roads. Their ages range from 5 to 17 years and include five stallions and five mares. The horses named Sujata, Ashmita, Akriti, Ashish, Hemant, Sudhir, Arya, Kalpa, Rojina and Parwati are reported to be strong and agile.

With the newly acquired gift, the number of horses with MTPD has surged to a strong force of 18 which is a veritable cause of perennial concern for traffic rule violators. The MTPD plans to effectively use the horses at junctures and sections in the capital city with high traffic pressure and influx of pedestrians.

The NA had been using the horses for royal ceremonies, the Ghode Jatra celebration and other formal programmes.

It is to be noted that since pre-historic times the horses have been used in great wars and were considered a life support before the advent of automobile technology. In the modern day as well horses have not lost their essence as a man’s true friend although it is much easier to keep dogs as domestic animals.

Of the ten horses gifted to MTPD seven are of Nepali and three of Indian breed, said Lieutenant Colonel Mukahang Yakthumba.  During the handover ceremony, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rajendra Chhetri gifted IGP Upendra Kant Aryal memento depicting horse images. RSS