Urging all concerned parties to submit illegal weapons to the administration, the newly formed Nepali interim government has decided to heighten security to ensure free and fair Constituent Assembly (CA) elections due to be held on June 20, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to a leading newspaper, The Kathmandu Post, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula told a news conference here on Monday that the government "would take stern measures at controlling any attempt" to foil the planned CA elections.

"The government began its preparations for the (CA) elections from Sunday (the day when the interim government including the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) was formed)," said Minister Sitaula, who was reappointed the home minister of the interim administration.

"The government is committed to accomplish the mission of holding CA elections in a free and fair manner," he said.

The minister also urged all who possess illegal weapons, to submit them to the local administrations or police offices "within the next seven days."

Sitaula also informed that the government had taken steps to contain any violent activities.

"The existing law will take action against anyone possessing any weapon after the set deadline (seven days)," said Sitaula.

The minister has directed the officials of the Home Ministry, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department to remain alert to control any violent activity.

The government is also preparing to set up a "Quick Action Team" at each security unit to control and take action against illegal activities that may jeopardize the security situation along the country's borders. The team will also patrol and check any unruly and violent activities, according to the minister.

Source: Xinhua