Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has condemned the Kathmandu Metropolitan City police for creating fear and terror on the streets, particularly targeting street vendors.
Speaking at the 106th Foundation Day program of Lalitpur Metropolitan City on Tuesday, Oli expressed his concern over the actions of the municipal police in Kathmandu, which he claimed were harassing poor vendors selling vegetables and other goods on carts, bicycles, and handcarts.
He contrasted this behavior with that of Lalitpur’s municipal police, praising their respectful and non-threatening approach.
“I am happy that the Lalitpur municipal police have been honored. At least I have not seen the Lalitpur municipal police running around in roaring jeeps, whistling as if they have descended from another world, creating terror, throwing carts, and throwing vegetables and tomatoes at the poor. Thank you to the city police,” said Oli.
He said the role of municipal police should be to protect city residents, not instill fear.
Oli said that, in Kathmandu, the public often runs away at the sight of city police officers, fearing harassment. He called for a shift in approach, stating that Lalitpur’s police force should serve as an example for the rest of the country, ensuring that the public feels safe rather than frightened by law enforcement.
“City police should not be synonymous with terror,” Oli said. “They should be protectors, not perpetrators of fear.”
