Kathmandu, May 29 -- While addressing senior officers at the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal on March 30, then home minister Sudan Gurung and Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki spoke about police uniforms using strikingly different metaphors.

Gurung lamented that Nepal Police personnel looked poorly equipped compared to officers in other countries. "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 said.

Promising reforms, Gurung said police uniform should command immediate respect. He even remarked that officers assigned to the special task force responsible for VIP security did not appear formidable enough. "Peopl...