Biratnagar, May 14: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak asserted that protecting the lives and properties of citizens is the fundamental prerequisite in democracy. Minister Lekhak made the remarks while inaugurating the provincial level security seminar organized by the Koshi Province's Ministry for Home Affairs and Ministry for Internal Affairs and Law in Biratnagar, Morang today. Emphasizing zero-tolerance policy of government regarding maintaining law and order in the country, Lekhak instructed the security agencies to take draconian actions against those involved in criminal activities, especially smuggling in the bordering areas. Warning that any anti-constitutional activities would not be considered, the Minister called for prompt delivery of public service while implementing the legal provisions. He directed the civil employees to maintain cordial relations while delivering public services and while upholding the laws. Arguing that the protection of lives and properties of the citizens is the core responsibility of the State, he emphasized good-governance by combating crimes, curbing narcotic drugs' trade, addressing cybercrimes and minimizing road accidents among others. Likewise, Koshi Province's Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki drew the attention of the security agencies towards the increasing challenges emerging alongside development in every sector. Pointing out to security concerns and challenges stemming in the Province due to the agitation of the pro-ethnic and identity activists, he said that that the Nepali citizens had already embraced the democratic governance system. Hence, he assured no Nepali society would return to unitary governance system. Likewise, Rewati Raman Bhandari, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law in the Province, expressed his concern over revenue leakages incurring due to growing cases of smuggling across the porous borders and thus underscored strict crime control measures. On the occasion, the Heads of the security agencies in the Provinces, reaffirmed their commitments to control crimes and maintain law and order and ensure public safety. Participating in the seminar presided over by the Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi were Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ramchandra Tiwari, Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, IGP of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, National Investigation Department's Chief Investigation Director Hutraj Thapa and Chief District Officers in the Koshi Province.