Kathmandu, Oct. 18 -- President Ramchandra Paudel has directed the government and security chiefs to instill confidence among political parties and the public that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be held in a fair and fear-free environment.

During a discussion at the President's Office Sheetal Niwas on Saturday, attended by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Cabinet ministers, and the heads of all four security agencies, President Paudel urged them to take bold steps to maintain peace and ensure a secure electoral atmosphere, according to his press adviser Kiran Pokharel.

President Paudel also called for the immediate recovery of looted weapons and the arrest of escaped prisoners during the September 9 unrest.

Prime Minister Karki...