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Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that Nepal Police has been dedicating itself for the public security and service, as the closest 'friend' between the government and the people. Addressing a program organized at the Police Headquarters, Naxal to mark the 67th Police Day today, he said the Police, dedicated to the security of the nation and citizens amidst various ups and downs, has made significant achievement in maintaining law and order and security as well as in crime control front, which is worthy of feeling proud of by every Nepali. "The dedication of the former office-bearers in the leadership position and the sacrifices of the martyr police personnel have played a major role for the Nepal Police's reaching the present status," PM Deuba said, adding that the Police force which carries with it a history of around seven decades has become successful in establishing itself as a professional, capable, disciplined and dutiful public servant coming to the present situation. He reiterated that the government has been stressing on building a fear-free environment by maintaining law and order and peace and security throughout the nation keeping the country's internal and external security, protection of sovereignty and people's security at the center. "Peace and security are the basis of development and construction, and good governance," the Prime Minister said and praised the contribution of the police force dedicated selflessly to their duty day and night. The PM further said, "It is the police the people who are in distress first remember. It is the Nepal Police who is the friend and rescuer of the helpless, vulnerable and victims of crime. It is the police, the center of faith of all the citizens." Stating that the role played by the police personnel and physicians remaining in the frontline for the rescue of citizens in any natural disaster and emergencies from the 2015 mega earthquake  to the global COVID-19 pandemic is praiseworthy, he said the performance capacity of the Nepal Police is appreciated not only within the country but in foreign countries as well. It is the high professionalism shown by Nepal Police while discharging its duty that has won this accolade. "The police personnel and officials have been deployed in the United Nations peacekeeping missions by internalizing Nepal's commitment to international peace and security," PM Deuba said, adding that the government is positive towards increasing the participation and representation of Nepal Police employees in the peacekeeping operations in the coming days. He also directed that all the services of the police be made technology-friendly. "The present age is the age of information and technology. The effectiveness and efficiency of the organization has to be enhanced by equipping it with information and technology and making timely changes to the traditional system," PM Deuba stressed. Reiterating that it is the main responsibility of the police to control crime and conduct investigation, he said the law and order situation in the country would be consolidated only if the police sincerely fulfilled its responsibilities. The Prime Minister instructed the entire police rank and file to fulfill its duties and responsibilities sincerely and professionally without coming under anyone's pressure or influence and using the rights given it by the existing laws. He said that he is informed of the police force's dutifulness and its problems. The Head-of-Government stated that the police have been demonstrating its excellent capacity in spite of the limited means and resources and expressed the belief that it can render better results if the police force is provided with means and resources and appropriate training. He added that the government has been giving priority to modernization and strengthening of police and this would be continued in the coming days as well. Stating that all should pay attention to improving the career development of all employees of Nepal Police in a timely way and building an efficient police organization, PM Deuba directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to make the required plans for this purpose. Prime Minister Deuba praised the role of Nepal Police in conducting the local level election in a peaceful and fair environment and also expressed his confidence that it will not leave no stone unturned in making the upcoming House of Representatives and Province Assembly elections also in a free, fair and fear-free environment. Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand praised the roles of Nepal Police in saving lives of the country's citizens since its inception, and during earthquakes, COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disasters. "Police have reached out and helped people in need. They have played important roles in saving lives of people despite limited resources." Stating that use of new technology in criminal activities has posed additional security challenges, he said the Ministry itself was effortful to increase efficiency of the police. "The government is at work to encourage and increase efficiency of the police, and make it easier for their families to live a life," he said. Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Pratap Singh said Nepal's Police role for security of the people and the nation, during COVID-19 pandemic and incidences of natural disasters had further increased its credibility. Stating that the last local elections in the nation were held peacefully, he said the Nepal Police was committed to making all security arrangements required for conducting the elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assembly in an impartial and peaceful atmosphere. Fugitives from abroad and hiding in Nepal were apprehended with the help of 'Interpol', he said, adding that the registration of incidents of offenses last fiscal year was increased by 17 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, but the number of criminal cases declined. On the occasion, the Prime Minister awarded children of those police employees who attained martyrdom while on duty with ' Achyut-Meena Martyr Police Family Award and Fellowship'. Likewise, Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka (Nepal Police Special Bureau) was honored with the ' Motilal Bohora Excellence Research Award' while the ' Lifetime Achievement Award' was conferred on former Additional Inspector General of Police Rajendra Bahadur Singh.  The Province 1 Police Office, Biratnagar which was adjudged the best in the inter-province police performance assessment won the ' police baton' award. The Prime Minister launched the Police Darpan-2079 BS and presented the letter of recognition to the dependent families of martyr police.  He laid a wreath on the Martyr Police Memorial.

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Krishna Chandra Nepali Pokhrel has praised the role of Nepal Police to the establishment of peace and order despite the availability of limited resources. In his address to a program organized by the Gandaki Province Police Office, Pokhara to mark the 67th Police Day here today, the Chief Minister acknowledged the 'special' contribution of the Nepal Police to the enhancement of the nation's peace, security and order. He took time to mention that the Nepali Police had its relations with the liberation army that had a crucial role in the establishment of democracy by eliminating the Rana's rule in 2007 BS. The Nepal Police has a glorious history, according to him. He said the Nepal Police which had demonstrated its integrity and accountability in each moment including the time of natural disasters and in maintenance of peace and security proved it equally competent in the professional forum. On the occasion, he honored and awarded families of martyrs’ police and other personalities for their contribution to the profession. Gandaki Province Internal Affairs Minister Dobate Bishwakarma said the role of Nepal Police to the establishment of peace and security was commendable. He was hopeful that the Nepal Police would show its role as in the past to hold the elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assembly in a free and impartial atmosphere. Gandaki Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General of Police Ram Dutta Joshi said the Nepal Police that was always aware of the delivery of pro-people, transparent and prompt services dedicated itself to the service of the nation and the people.  He pledged to take up the role to hold the upcoming elections peacefully. The best wishes message sent by the Inspector General of Police Dhiraj Prasad Singh was read out on the occasion. Similarly, the 67th Police Day has been marked in Hetauda, the capital of Bagmati Province in Makawanpur district, today. The Bagmati Province Police Office organized the function. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Rajendra Pandey laid a wreath at the image of the 'Immortal Police'. All those present at the ceremony garlanded the Immortal Police memorial. Chief Minister Pandey lauded the role of police in maintaining law and order in the country. It is the responsibility of one and all to move forward by protecting the federal democratic republic and the constitution.

The minority Sunaha community has called for recognition as indigenous nationalities. The Sunaha have been demanding with the candidates who are coming to their settlements seeking votes in the upcoming elections that the Sunaha be recognized as indigenous nationality community by the State. "We have so far not got the State recognition as a separate ethnic identity. The party leaders only give us assurances in each and every election. But they forget it once they get elected. We have been demanding that the election candidates take initiatives for giving a separate ethnic identity to the Sunaha community," said local Kalu Sunaha. He also demanded that the Sunaha should be provided reservation quotas in all the state services as the Sunaha is a minority community. He added that the government has recognized the Raute community that is on the verge of disappearance as a separate ethnic minority group and is providing allowances. But he said that the Sunaha community is deprived of such state allowances as it has not been recognized as a separate ethnic group. Meghadevi Sunar complained that the political parties have been using the Sunaha community merely as a vote bank at the time of the election. "The political parties and their candidates only make false promises to us at the time of election that they will resolve our burning problems. There is nobody to speak for us after the election is over," she said. According to her, although they have demanded time and again with the government to recognize the Sunaha as a separate ethnic community, their demands have not been heard. The Sunaha people traditionally live by collecting gold from sand on river banks. The Sunaha's traditional occupation is also on the verge of disappearance in recent years. Ghanashyam Sunaha called for making provision for providing free education to the Sunaha children. "Sunaha is also a separate tribe like the Raute. The government should provide quotas to Sunaha like it is providing to other indigenous nationalities. We should also be recognized as having a separate ethnic identity," Ghanashyam said. The Sunaha communities who live only in Bardia and Kanchanpur have been calling for recognizing them as separate indigenous nationalities since long, but their demand has so far fallen on deaf ears.  

The World Food Program estimated that nearly 19 million Afghans are facing food insecurity on the occasion of World Food Day, Business Standard reported. On World Food Day, which was observed on Sunday, residents of Kabul said that the lack of jobs and economic challenges is threatening them with severe food insecurity, reported Tolo News. The World Food Programme in Afghanistan said that a survey conducted in February and March indicated that nearly 19 million people are facing food insecurity. "The results of the (survey) show that nearly 19 million or 18.9 million people are facing food insecurity and they need food assistance and humanitarian assistance," said Wahidullah Amani, a spokesman for WFP Afghanistan, reported Tolo News. "We plan to attract international humanitarian aid, support the small and average industries, and to launch major economic projects to support the infrastructure in Afghanistan," said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy. "I have seven children. My husband is jobless. When I eat breakfast, we are worried about our lunch, when we eat lunch, we are worried about our dinner," said Suraya, a breadwinner for her family of seven members. The high rate of poverty has compelled dozens of students into hard labour, reported Tolo News. "I work from 6:00 am in the morning to the end of the day. I make between 20 to 50 Afs. And I am confused about what to buy with that money," said Beheshta, a child labourer. According to the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA), the daily income of Afghans is 102 Afs, reported Tolo News. Some other citizens of the country expressed frustration over the rise in food prices in the country. "There are no jobs and businesses now. For many of those who are working, their salaries are low. Those who are working outside as vendors and other jobs make from 100 to 200 Afs which is not even sufficient for dinner," said Arash Sultani, a resident of Kabul. World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to highlight the millions of people worldwide who cannot afford a healthy diet and the need for regular access to nutritious food. The theme for 2022 is Leave NO ONE behind. World Food Day 2022 is being marked in a year with multiple global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change, rising prices and international tensions. All of this is affecting global food security. The Day is led by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).