Madhesh Province Police will deploy 7,229 police personnel across its eight districts for the upcoming Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals, starting October 15, 2026 (Ashoj 29, 2083 BS). The special security plan aims to counter potential criminal activities, smuggling, road accidents, and crowd management challenges during the festive season.
A total of 1,511 duty stations have been identified across the province for the deployment. Prabhu Prasad Dhakal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and spokesperson for the Madhesh Province Police Office, stated that the largest contingent of personnel, 2,597, will be deployed in Dhanusha district. Other deployments include 870 in Bara, 857 in Saptari, 863 in Rautahat, 792 in Sarlahi, 747 in Mahottari, 652 in Siraha, and 662 in Parsa.
Enhanced Surveillance and Patrols
The security plan incorporates regular police operations, including district reserves, Quick Response Teams (QRT), striking teams, traffic checks, mobile patrols, foot patrols, and pickets in suspicious areas. Special teams will also be deployed for highway security, passenger assistance desks, control of theft and smuggling at border checkpoints, security of religious and tourist sites, market monitoring, crowd and search operations, public gatherings, and emergency response.
Disaster response teams will also be operational, and help desks at border checkpoints will provide necessary assistance to travelers and the public. The police will intensify surveillance at the India-Nepal border, religious sites, fairs, markets, and other crowded places, anticipating increased movement of people and potential risks of theft, robbery, and missing persons.
The plan specifically targets the control of illegal activities such as smuggling and the movement of illicit goods across the open border. Police will also focus on preventing fires from fireworks and pyrotechnics, gambling, illegal betting, and incidents of fighting, assault, domestic violence, and public looting caused by alcohol consumption.
Addressing Festival-Specific Challenges
The security strategy also addresses challenges posed by late-night cultural programs like Deusi-Bhailo and DJ events, which can disrupt peace and order. Potential local disputes and social tensions arising from religious programs, processions, or the use of loudspeakers are also identified as risks. The police will prioritize the safety of women, children, and the elderly, deploying personnel to prevent incidents of individuals getting lost or facing abuse in crowds.
Efforts will also be made to control the trafficking of illegal alcohol, drugs, and other prohibited substances. The police will monitor activities such as black marketing, artificial scarcity, price hikes, and the spread of rumors through social media that could create social unrest.
This year’s deployment marks an increase from the 6,363 police personnel deployed in Madhesh Province during Ashoj 2082 BS (September-October 2025) for similar festival security. The Madhesh Province Police Office will strengthen security through command posts, joint patrols, intelligence gathering by plainclothes officers, and emergency duties, in addition to regular assignments.
Impact and Leadership Engagement
This comprehensive security plan is expected to significantly enhance peace and order across all eight districts of Madhesh Province during the festival period. Increased security at India-Nepal border checkpoints, such as Birgunj, will help control theft, smuggling, and illegal trade, benefiting local traders and farmers. Highway patrols and traffic management will ensure safer travel along routes like the Hulaki Highway.
The deployment of disaster response teams will also aid in mitigating risks from incidents like floods and drownings. Furthermore, a secure environment will support the ‘Madhesh Visit Year 2083’ initiative, encouraging tourist arrivals and benefiting local residents and tourists.
In preparation for this plan, Madhesh Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Om Prasad Adhikari held discussions with heads of various police offices under his command on September 23, 2026 (Ashoj 7, 2083 BS), covering overall peace and security, crime control, police service delivery, and contemporary security challenges. He also concluded a performance contract signing program for the fiscal year 2083/084 on September 27, 2026 (Ashoj 11, 2083 BS).
The special security plan will remain in effect throughout the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festival periods.
