Recalling his three-year terms, CoAS Rana highlighted those two achievements as successful chapters in the history of Nepal's peace process that began several years ago.
"After the political transition of armed insurgency through peace process, some sections of people remained suspicious and viewed the NA as a major obstacle to change," CoAS Rana's message reads. But our integral roles during Maoist Combatants integration into NA and in the CA election proved that we were always there for strengthening democratic system, enhancing peace process, he said adding.
Outgoing PM Deuba to leave Baluwatar on Thursday
CoAS Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana (right), hands over responsibilities to his successor, Chief of General Staff Lt. General Rajendra Chhetri, amid a program at the Army Headquarters, Kathmandu.
"I had to overcome lots of challenges as I took charge during a difficult political phase and, at the same time, had to fulfill my own roadmap related to professionalism development, operational preparation for restructuring the Nepal Army, he said.
He reiterated that in the past three years, he was successful in enhancing military diplomacy, professional and systematic trainings, skill development schemes, organizational reforms, comprehensive welfare packages, among others.
As a highlight of his tenure, he also included a proposal related to redesigning the Nepal Army, which is under consideration at the ministry. He expressed confidence that the proposed 10 year action plan would be helpful in restructuring the NA.
He also lauded the joint efforts made by all ranked NA officials, cadets for their roles during disaster management, security management during SAARC Summit, wild life conservation and contribution to the UN peacekeeping missions.
"I feel proud at the fact that an environment of meritocracy in promoting officers to leadership position was created during my tenure," he said in his concluding remarks.
Chhetri assumes office as acting CoAS from Tuesday
Meanwhile, NA Chief of General Staff Lt. General Rajendra Chhetri will take over the national Army as the acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) from Tuesday as incumbent CoAS Rana goes on leave from Monday before his scheduled retirement on account of age.
Rana, who will formally retire on September 10, handed over responsibilities to Chhetri amid a program at army headquarters.
The government had promoted Chhetri to the post of Lt. General on February 24 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defense, paving the way for his elevation to the post of army chief. The government nominated him as the acting chief of Nepal Army on Friday.
