India gifts 716 vehicles to Nepal for smooth conduct of polls

India today gifted 716 vehicles to Nepal for the smooth conduct of the November 19 Constituent Assembly elections.

Ambassador of India to Nepal Ranjit Rae handed over the keys of the vehicles to Home Minister Madhav Prasad Ghimire at a function at the Home Ministry here.

These vehicles will be used by Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Bureau during the election for the smooth conduct of the polls, according to officials.

These vehicles worth NRs 850 million (USD 84 million) include 450 pickup vans, 135 jeeps, 55 two tonnes trucks, 20 one tonne trucks, 30 cars, 16 buses and 10 water tankers, according to Indian Embassy sources.

"The conduction of the Constituent Assembly election marks a very important process in drafting the new constitution, and the government of India supports the election process in Nepal, which is essential for maintaining peace, stability and prosperity, as desired by the people and government of Nepal," Ambassador Rae said while handing over the vehicles.

India had agreed to provide 716 vehicles for security personnel and 48 vehicles to the Election Commission (EC) during the goodwill visit by External Affairs Minister Salman Khursid to Nepal in July.

The remaining 48 vehicles will be handed over to the EC tomorrow, according to Indian Embassy sources.

"In order to prevent any disturbances to the election, security has been tightened along the Nepal-India border in view of the upcoming elections," Rae said.

Home Minister Ghimire said the Constituent Assembly elections will institutionalise federal republic system in Nepal.

He said that the "government is committed to provide fool- proof security during the elections to ensure free, fair and fearless polling environment."

Chiefs of three security agencies, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Bureau and high security officials were present during the handing over ceremony.