KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has instructed traffic police personnel not to shake hands with drivers and service users while on duty. The office has directed officers to greet people from a distance instead.
The instruction was issued through a circular sent to subordinate offices, including traffic police complexes, circles, divisions, and posts on Tuesday.
According to the office, complaints were received through social media and from citizens regarding traffic police officers shaking hands with drivers and other service users during vehicle checks and official duties.
The office said such actions have created misunderstandings, with some people spreading claims that handshakes between traffic police and drivers could be linked to unofficial transactions or bribery.
The circular states that traffic police personnel should completely avoid physical contact such as handshakes while performing duty. Officers have been instructed to maintain professionalism and respect drivers and service users by saying hello or greeting them verbally.
