KATHMANDU, Feb 23: Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal on Monday said the army respects all the “lawful” instructions and orders of the government. Making his address at the Army Day function at Tundikhel, Katawal said,“Since we are in the most crucial stage of the peace process, main duty of the national army is to heartily accept Nepali people’s decisions taken through democratic system by keeping Nepal’s national unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty at the core." [break]
Katawal in his address said the army has played a crucial role in protecting Nepal’s territory and independence under the government orders in all periods of history ever since unification of the country.
Addressing the Army Day function at Tundikhel in the capital, he said patience and moral courage demonstrated by the Nepal Army during the process of political change and state restructuring, and the creative support provided during the present transitional period will be tested in the people in the future.
“On the occasion of Army Day, I want to reiterate our unflinching commitment to the democratic system, civilian supremacy, human rights, rule of law, social harmony, cultural diversity and inclusion of women, janajatis, linguistic groups and backward sections of society,” Katawal said in his address.
“In this course, we will gradually establish the processes as per the principles of democratic control to improve and strengthen army-civil relations,” he said. “Moreover, activities of Nepal Army will be made gradually transparent and accountable.”
Katawal stressed the need for keeping the army far from all political influence. "I believe that all the personnel have clearly understood that Nepal Army’s national character must be apolitical like the armies in other democratic countries,” said Katawal. He also reiterated that Nepal Army is always wiling to work for safeguarding existence and self-esteem of Nepal and Nepalis under the directives of the government like in the past.
He said the army has demonstrated its impartial strength and reliability in wars with countries much stronger than Nepal, as well as in world peace.
In his message at the function, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said he hoped the army would move toward, strengthening the base of the democratic system and culture in the changed context while making relations with citizens stronger and more cordial.
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