KATHMANDU — The morale of the city police has badly deteriorated after an individual committed self-immolation during the execution of law in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Its direct impact has started appearing on the main and busy roads of the Valley. Recently, as the presence of city police in busy areas has become nearly zero, footpath vendors and drivers have stopped obeying the local government.

Morale of City Police Dropped After Self-Immolation Incident

The unexpected incident of self-immolation, which occurred in the course of implementing the metropolitan city's strict policy and law, has given a major blow to the city police administration. Stating that their own security cannot be guaranteed while being deployed in the field, city police personnel have started hesitating to go out into the field. As the police administration has failed to ensure the safety of the city police deployed in the field, a widespread decline is seen in their work efficiency and activeness.

Chaos and Arbitrary Parking in New Road Area

Taking advantage of the absence of city police, areas including Kathmandu's main commercial hub, New Road, have returned to their old state. Footpath vendors have captured the sidewalks, while haphazard parking has caused hardship to both the general public and drivers.

"Right now, the fear of the metropolitan city has completely disappeared. Since the city police stopped coming, footpath traders and drivers are ignoring the local government and doing whatever they please," a local resident lamented.

Behind the Scenes Influence of 'Balen' and Hardship of Acting Chief Dangol

It is understood by many that the influence of former City Mayor and current Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) still persists in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The metropolitan city still appears to be running on his policies and directives. For example:

  • The campaign to remove squatter settlements
  • Management of holding centers
  • Footpath management

Such long-term and aggressive works are taking place under the direct interest of Balen.

On the other hand, Sunita Dangol, who was elected as Deputy Mayor from the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and is currently handling the responsibility of Acting City Mayor, appears to be under ideological pressure at this time. Dangol wants to run the city administration in accordance with communist conduct and values. However, representatives of the metropolitan city admit that practically it has not been as thought.

A ward chairperson of the metropolitan city said on the condition of anonymity:

"The Acting Chief wants to work in favor of the poor and lower class in accordance with the party's policy and conduct, but due to the current situation and Balen's old policy, pro-poor work has not been able to happen as thought."

Due to this internal conflict between administrative leadership and political ideology, as well as the weak morale of the city police, Kathmandu is again facing the old chaos.