PM Dahal assures local level elections in normal environment; Security Council secretariat must advise the govt.: PM Dahal

Kathmandu / April 02: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged all not to harbour doubts on free and fair local level elections.

Receiving a memorandum submitted by the Madhesi Ethnic Coordination Society on Sunday, the PM said that support from all sides was needed to make the polls a success.

On the occasion, PM Dahal said that he was continuously effortful for holding polls by forging consensus with the Madhesi Morcha as the election fever has gripped the entire nation.

PM Dahal also said that there was no alternative to uniting the progressive forces to stop the country for heading to extremism.

Likewise, Dahal added that talks with the opposition were on for the constitution amendment, as the ruling parties do not have two-thirds seats in the parliament.

Security Council secretariat must advise the govt.: PM Dahal

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the national security council secretariat to monitor whether the national security policy, 2016 has been independently and impartially implemented.

Speaking at a programme organised to mark the 16th anniversary of the Secretariat here today, he said the secretariat should be able to provide suggestions and advice to the national security council and the Government of Nepal following study, research and analysis of the overall current situation. “I have felt the need to make its scope and responsibilities more consolidated, professional and prestigious,” he said.

Stating that the secretariat has been playing an important role in national security, Prime Minister Dahal said, “In the present world context, security means a comprehensive strategy of national security including multi-dimensional issues of various sectors concerned.”

“In the context of the direct impact of world’s accelerated development being made on our society, I have found that the Secretariat is committed to its high professionalism while increasing analytical efficiency and keeping its role intact,” he said.

Noting that poverty, unemployment, social discrimination and extremist thought has helped create conflict, the Prime Minister said, “It is difficult for any country to stay aloof from international security in the context that international criminals are getting an easy access to information, resources and human resource due to the fast evolution of atmosphere and technology.”

Present in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi, Defence Minister Bal Krishna Khand, Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri and Secretary of Defence Ministry and co-coordinator at the Council Secretariat Sridhar Sapkota.

The Council comprises Prime Minister as its Chairman while its members are from Ministries of Defence, Home, Foreign Affairs, and Finance. Likewise Chief Secretary and the Army Chief are also its member. Secretary of Defence acts as the member-secretary. RSS