Nepal's Armed Police Force to establish units in all 77 districts

Nepal's paramilitary force, the Armed Police Force, has decided to expand its presence in the country's all 77 districts to give itself a federal set-up, a senior official has said.

The Armed Police Force (APF) is a paramilitary land warfare force which was formed to fight insurgents during the decade-long Maoist insurgency in Nepal. It functions as a semi-military wing and has presence in 45 districts of the Himalayan nation's seven provinces.

Apart from counter-insurgency operations, it is also plays role in controlling armed conflict, terrorist, riot and separatist activities; assisting search, rescue and relief operation during disasters; providing border security; and protecting vital public installations and infrastructures.

APF spokesperson DIG Babu Ram Pandey said, a decision to this effect was made to further strengthen peace and security in the country and to perform its role mandated by the existing law in a more effective manner.

The gulmas (companies) and posts to be established in all districts will be headed by a battalion.

"The APF is all set to establish its brigade in Kathmandu valley and all seven provinces. Similarly, all provinces will have one training centre each and 87 border observation posts will be converted into battalion as per the international standards, informed Pandey.

"The APF is preparing to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide necessary human resources for the expansion, he added.

Currently, the APF has regional hospitals in Province 1 and Province 6.

"We will gradually establish hospital in the remaining five provinces soon," Pandey said.

He also informed that it was planning to create a women only company' to attract more women to the paramilitary force and promote gender balance.

The total strength of the APF is around 37,000 personnel, including 2,000 women.