Kathmandu, Aug. 12 -- Nepal Police has asked the government to give it legal authority to intercept telephone calls and digital communications in real time during criminal investigations, reopening a long-running debate over how far the state should be allowed to 'intrude' into citizens' private communication.

The Police Headquarters in Naxal has incorporated the proposal into its strategic planning framework, arguing that investigators need modern digital tools to pursue criminals who increasingly use encrypted and other sophisticated communication technologies.

The proposal would allow designated police officers to listen to telephone conversations and monitor digital communications in real time if the necessary legal framework and ap...