The fundamental drive of changes have crossed the threshold of old Nepal and set out on a journey towards a new epoch of state building where entire sectors of the country have to be re-structured. In this regard, the book Nepali Surakshya Chhetra: Ek Sangraha deserves a noteworthy place in the discussion series of current political scenario of Nepal along with the undergoing shift from a monarchy to a republic.[break]
Bishnu Sapkota, who has been working for conflict transformation and peace process in Nepal, also the editor of this compendium of essays related to Nepal’s security sector, has managed to accumulate the views of some acclaimed politicians, academicians, journalists, constitutional connoisseurs, lawyers as well as human rights defenders. Sapkota at the same time has attempted to give a certain shape to ideas regarding Nepal’s security concerns. Although, this sort of an assignment is not easy, he has dared to give it an outstanding contour that essentially would offer a new and a decisive road-map in the nation building process. This publication has made an effort to supply core insights to the discussion on security sector’s reformation that will undeniably lend a helping hand towards Nepal’s state restructure and democratic route. It carries mutual views from representatives of major political parties, print media, as well as experts from human rights and constitutional areas. Additionally, all six chapters broadly examine the current standing of the country along with a brief historical context of security issues. Since, all titles are written by concerned experts, they have profoundly put forward ideas from their related sector.
On one hand, it incorporates indispensable information regarding security sector reform in Nepal, and on the other, it slots in extensive discussion on certain responsive issues. Additionally, it also takes account of suggestions regarding factors to be taken on by the state with regards to long-standing security policies. Most outstandingly, this book is associated with the peace process of Nepal that has been crawling since 2006, parting back the decade-long Maoist insurgency and adapting with the Constituent Assembly.
In his piece Bebasthapika Samsad (The Legislature-Parliament) Dinanath Sharma deals with issues regarding the history of parliamentary system in Nepal. He focuses on the discrepancy between inherent feudalistic, autocratic values prevalent in Nepal and the western parliamentary system of governance being introduced in the country. The Legislature-Parliament is empowered by the Constitution and laws to acquire information on national security matters, to formulate necessary policy thereon and to monitor conditions about those issues.
However, the prevailing provisions are not sufficient. Through his writing, Sharma, demands a need for drastic overhaul of security keeping in mind the changing times and context. Correspondingly, Krishna Khanal, in his write-up Rastrapramukh: Sanstha ra Bhumika (The Role of the Head of State), examines the ‘Workings of the President’. Nepal is now undergoing the process of constitution making, which indicates that everything, including the institution of the presidency, is temporary and changes may take place once the new constitution is promulgated. The nature and role of the institution of presidency therefore depends on the structure of the system of government as well as the up-and-coming political gamut of the country.
By means of Rastrapramukhko Prasasanko Bhumika (The Role of the Head of State Administration), Deepak Prakash Bhatta scrutinizes the role of the president of Nepal. He argues that the president of Nepal is not the one holding executive power to engage in administration of the country. Likewise, Surendra Pandey, in his piece has incorporated a discussion about the role of the National Security Council. Correspondingly, Sarkarko Bhumika (The Role of the Government) by Sayed Mohammed Habibullah, depicts noteworthy functions of the government to facilitate security policies, reinforce parliamentary control over security. It also ponders over the relationship between the government and security sectors. Moreover, this part endeavors to explicate the existing political transition and its outcomes related to the government and the security sector’s alteration. It also lends a hand to the reader to comprehend the indispensable foundation of democratic control over security sector in Nepal.
Through the article Sarkari Prasashanko Bhumika: Rajya, Surakshya ra Sarkar Sarita Giri affirms that reformation of the security sector is a critical elements of the peace accord reached amid political parties, together with the CPN (Maoists) and Madheshi Parties. This was in conjunction with the integration, accommodation and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants. Likewise, Narahari Acharya in his piece Nepali Sena (The Nepalese Army) argues that the army of Nepal has a bravura history. The most important duty of the army is to protect the state’s sovereignty, geographical independence and regional veracity. But, in the context of Nepal, there has not been a direct situation to fight foreign enemies. So the roles and responsibilities of the army should be weighed in terms of its vigor and proficiency in other applied areas. The Nepal Army has been contributing in areas other than the security sector that includes – transportation development, participation in the United Nation’s peace mission, providing assistance to victims of calamities and the like.
In Janamukti Sena (The People’s Liberation Army), Ameet Dhakal, Editor-in-chief of Republica, has endowed his article with options for the integration and rehabilitation of qualified combatants: integration in the army, integration in other security agencies, community service or for foreign employment. Correspondingly, Sudheer Sharma, Chief Editor of the Kantipur daily, in Media ra Surakshya: Uttarchadhavko Samasya (Media and the Security Sector: Shifting Relations) argues that ‘freedom available to Nepali media is still not free from the restrictive clutches of security bodies, their pressure and occasionally their legitimate requirements.’ He focuses on the role of Nepali media as a supervisory body in making Nepal’s security sector democratic. In Abaidhanik Balharu (Non-Statutory Forces), Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, Editor of The Himalayan Times, examines the activities of non-statutory forces in Nepal. He articulates that non-statutory forces have involved themselves with security matters unlawfully. On one hand, they recurrently take the law into their own hands, and on the other, they have direct associations with political parties. So the management of these non-statutory forces is thorny for the state.
Through the article Nepalko Seema Surakshya ra Bewasthapan (Border Security and Management), Laxmanlal Karna, talks about internal political stability and border security. To consolidate border security he emphasizes on political steadiness within the country.
By recollecting ten years of ferocious conflict, Kiran Nepal, in his piece Rastriya Guptachar Bibhaag (The National Intelligence Department), writes that the intelligence mechanism was not in a position to carry out its duty during times when communication networks were dismantled and the presence of authorities in the villages was in a state of peril. Furthermore, as the intelligence mechanism was filled with politically affiliated people, it couldn’t congregate sufficient information during the conflict. In the article “Private Security Companies” Aayushma KC’s focal thesis is that the presence of civilians associated with the state security force has legal and ethical ramifications. It could definitely raise questions regarding the chain of command, authority, accountability, security effectiveness and so on.
Likewise, Bhimarjun Acharya offers his intense views on the Nepalese judicial system and Hari Phuyal puts forward his ideas on justice systems within security organizations of Nepal. Similarly, Mandira Sharma talks about the criminal justice system in Nepal. Sushil Pyakurel in “National Human Rights Commission” deals on the issue of human rights and Nepal’s commitment along with its need for a national human rights monitoring mechanism. Similarly, Bishnu Raj Upreti, through his article “Involvement of Civil Society in the Security Sector: Transformation Debate in Nepal” examines the interconnectedness of civil society and security sectors. He asserts that the boundary between civil society members and politicians is quite distorted.
In sum, this compendium is a wide-ranging compilation of authors from the vital gamut of civil society, politics, human rights, academics as well as the media. Contributors from the political arena are prominent leaders in their own parties. Similarly, the journalists are editors of well-received newspapers in Nepal that plays a critical role in paving the way towards its development. Also, academicians, whose works have been featured in this collection, are esteemed and equally crucial individuals for the country. In a nutshell, the focal purpose of this work is to give input of ideas towards security sector reform process by garnering requisite information on all related areas of Nepal’s security.
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