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Encouraging initiative



The Himalayan Times
26 May 2014
Encouraging initiative

It was astonishing to read the news “Minister tells cops to be courteous “ (THT, 22 May, Page 2) that might have been appreciated by all the readers. The orientation programme “Police Service with Smile” organized by the Nepal Police seems to be a very worthy programme in terms of making the police service friendly. So far, the relationship between the police and general people does not seem healthy for a number of reasons. This is definitely a very encouraging step in the police history when a sitting Home Minister directing police personnel to be courteous and asking them to demonstrate good conduct and behaviour with the general public.

In fact, the general public find it uncomfortable in the presence of the police which indicates that they see them (the police) as intruders rather than helping friends. I have heard many times traffic police scolding taxi and bus drivers using foul words. Can’t they be more polite with them (drivers) while making them aware about traffic rules? Is it necessary to use such words? Are the police taught to be harsh with the general public during the training? If so, the content of their training program needs to be revised to conform to the changed context? The general public are more literate and sensitive now than before.

It is hoped that such orientation programs would throughout the country. They will hopefully bring about positive changes among the police personnel to correct their conduct and behaviour and help to improve the public-police relationship in the days to come. In return, it is also hoped that the general public will see the police personnel as their well wishers and helping friends in times of necessity.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

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