Long hours, low pay and fading pride: Disquiet in lower ranks of Nepal Police

The state of police uniforms in Nepal has become a focal point for discussions about the force's declining institutional status, shrinking state support, and weakening public image. During a recent event at Nepal Police Headquarters, then-home minister Sudan Gurung lamented that Nepal Police personnel looked poorly equipped compared to their international counterparts. "In other countries, one feels police can catch criminals instantly just by looking at their uniforms. Here, we have torn clothes, faded trousers and worn-out boots," he stated, adding that officers should command immediate respect and appear formidable.

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In other countries, one feels police can catch criminals instantly just by looking at their uniforms. Here, we have torn clothes, faded trousers and worn-out boots.

Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki's remark about calling the police uniform "black" rather than "blue" was interpreted by those close to his secretariat as a deeper commentary on dignity, morale, and the low priority the state gives to the police. "That statement was about dignity, morale and the low priority the state gives to police. He was trying to say police are increasingly treated like labourers who simply open and close doors at the owner’s command," one officer told Kantipur, suggesting Karki also alluded to a lack of operational autonomy.

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That statement was about dignity, morale and the low priority the state gives to police. He was trying to say police are increasingly treated like labourers who simply open and close doors at the owner’s command.

Retired police head constable Chandra Prasad Rajbanshi, 82, vividly remembers the early 1990s when police officers instilled fear and commanded respect across villages. "If a police hawaldar walked through the streets, news would spread to neighbouring villages," he recalled. Rajbanshi believes politics has deeply infiltrated the institution, leading to a loss of public fear and respect. While the Nepal Police now promotes community-oriented programs like ‘Police My Friend’ and ‘smiling police campaigns,’ Rajbanshi argues that security must also be felt psychologically, with criminals needing to fear the police to maintain order.

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If a police hawaldar walked through the streets, news would spread to neighbouring villages.

Former IGP Deepak Thapa, who was inspired by the "charm of the blue uniform" to join the force, also noted the shift. The current emphasis on community engagement aims to strengthen ties with citizens, but the underlying sentiment among some officers and former personnel is that the force's authority and public standing have diminished significantly over the years, moving from a position of power to one perceived as subservient.

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To maintain order, criminals need to feel a certain level of fear towards the police.