Over 1,500 security personnel deployed for NPL

KATHMANDU: More than 1,500 security personnel have been deployed at the Rangashala complex for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Deputy Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, who is leading the NPL security operations, stated that 1,223 personnel from the Nepal Police have been stationed at the venue.

Additional forces from traffic, armed units, and the Central Armed Police Force have brought the total number of security personnel to over 1,500.

Bhattarai said the deployment takes into account the newly constructed sections of the stadium and the growing cricket craze among Nepalis. “This time, spectators will enter through up to three separate gates, preventing overcrowding at a single point as seen last year,” he added.

The stadium is under 24-hour surveillance with 42 CCTV cameras, and drones have been deployed for additional security monitoring.

Special measures have been taken to ensure that individuals without tickets or entry passes do not gather near the gates, including the installation of barbed wire along the outer walls.

In addition to police, security checks are conducted daily before matches using investigation tools and trained security dogs.

Managing traffic has been a challenge, as the main road to the stadium also serves vehicles going to various departments of Tribhuvan University.

Police have also been deployed to ensure the safe movement of players from their accommodations to the stadium.