Inspection mission begins in Nepal

Kathmandu, Apr 3 : A team of security officials have started a pre election inspection mission in various districts of Nepal to ensure security during the April 10 Constituent Assembly polls.

The team includes Home Secretary Umesh Mainali, Chief of the Armed Police Force (APF) Basudev Oli, Chief of the Nepal Police Om Bikram Rana and Chief of the National Investigation Department (NID) Dhan Singh Karki.

The team is likely to visit Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Chitwan and Dhading Districts, among others and would meet with local political leaders and security officials, said Home Ministry spokesperson Modraj Dotel.

Meanwhile, the International Crisis Group (ICG) in its report has speculated that the Constituent Assembly elections on April 10 could be marred by political violence.

The report said, "There are many encouraging indications for the upcoming elections. Party campaigning has built up momentum and, combined with critical media scrutiny, has been boosting public awareness of the electoral system and party positions."

"The country has considerable experience of the elections, although this is the first time Nepalis will elect a constitution-drafting body and public security has been depressing throughout the ceasefire and armed groups in the Terai plains," Nepal News quoted the report, as saying.

ICG also cautioned that the post-poll period is likely to be difficult and dangerous.

ANI