KATHMANDU, Dec 18: The Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal has ended the VIP quota previously reserved for personnel participating in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. According to Inspector General of Police Raju Aryal, from now on, personnel who demonstrate outstanding performance in rescue operations and sports will be sent on missions.
DSP Shailendra Thapa, APF spokesperson, said that the practice of giving the so-called VIP quota based on pressure or influence has been abolished. This time, five APF personnel who have excelled in rescue operations and sports have been directly selected to participate in UN missions.
Those chosen include APF personnel trained in diving and disaster management who have actively participated in rescue operations during emergencies, officers previously declared “Best Policeman of the Year 2081 BS”, and athletes who have achieved excellence in national and international competitions.
The Politics of Quotas
Among the selected, Assistant Inspector of Police Dipendra Bista has been deployed 19 times in various disaster situations, rescuing 10 people safely and recovering 11 bodies, including successfully rescuing two stranded tourists alive.
Similarly, Assistant Sub-Inspector Bharat Kafle rescued five out of 11 people trapped during a fire on the fourth floor of Center Plaza, Itahari Municipality-6, Sunsari, on April 5. He has been deployed 20 times in various incidents, recovering 15 bodies.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Mekh Bahadur Gurung, a trained diver and instructor in 17 training programs, has continuously participated in incidents, recovering 22 bodies in accidents and disasters and assisting in the rescue of foreign nationals.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Kiran Bahadur Bhandari, recognized last year as “Best Policeman 2081 BS,” has also been selected for the mission for his exemplary service in emergency response, public safety, and rescue operations.
Additionally, APF constable Puran Rai, affiliated with the Nepal APF Club, has excelled in boxing at national and international levels, winning a total of 12 medals—eight gold, three silver, and one bronze. He has also been given the opportunity to participate in the UN mission.
The APF of Nepal has long deployed personnel in the UN Mission in South Sudan through the Nepal Formed Police Unit (FPU) to support peacekeeping operations.
This year, the traditional practice of sending personnel to UN missions based on influence has ended. Instead, personnel who have shown exceptional performance in rescue operations and sports have been selected, boosting morale and motivation within the force.
