KATHMANDU, Sept 26: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday sought cooperation of Nepal Army (NA) in its democratization process.
In a briefing at Army headquarter Bhattarai emphasized on democratization and reformation in Nepal Army according to the aspiration of the people of Nepal. According to PMO sources Bhattarai, who also holds a portfolio of defence minister, drew the attention of Nepal Army to gear for reformation process to change the traditional structure.[break]
According to the press note released by Public Relation Directorate of Nepal Army, Bhattarai emphasized on reformation according to the change in nature and structure of war.
In the program Brigadier Generals Padam Bilash Karki and Brigadier General Hari Bahadur Basnet presented report of organizational structure, challenges and problems faced by NA, responsibility and activities of NA.
The NA also drew the attention to the 10-year master plan which had been forwarded to the government and sought its cooperation to bring the NA to the same standard as armies of other south Asian countries.
"The briefing would be helpful in policy making level among political leadership," said Bhattarai. He also assured that the government would take appropriate decision to make Security Council effective and finalize National Security Policy.
Prime Minister Bhattrai also commented on the ongoing peace process including army integration process and directed NA leadership to formulate plans in development of the country according to the sources. He also assured to address the financial crunch that NA has faced for long.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Minister of Physical Planning and Works Hridayash Tripathi, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, Chief Secretary Lilamani Paudel and Defense Secretary Tilak Ram Sharma were also present at the briefing. There is a tradition of briefing the government leadership after new CoAS is appointed.