KATHMANDU, Sept 11: While vowing to get rid of the “cancer” that exists within the army, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Purna Chandra Thapa has said that he will act very strongly to do away with corruption and anomalies in Nepal Army.

Addressing a function organized at Nepal Army's Headquarters on the first anniversary of his assuming office, Army Chief Thapa announced to handover the army's leadership only after abolishing the corruption and anomalies that exist like “cancer” within the army. “The cancer that exists like a remnant affects the organization for long time. So, this needs to be cured on time,” said Thapa.

Thapa argued that since the remnant of cancer cannot be treated with medication, it needs a surgery. While assuming his office as army chief a year ago, Thapa had vowed to completely end the corruption, irregularities and misuse of the army institution for personal gains.

Speaking on the occasion, Thapa said the reform he has been trying to bring within the institution was long overdue and that any further delay to bring the reform would harm the institution in the long run. Expressing satisfaction over the achievements made over the year, Thapa said this experience had served lesson that much can be done even with limited means and resources.

As a part of bringing transparency and accountability within the organization, Army Chief Thapa publicized the details of his property. The details are publicized in the army's official website.

This is the first instance where any sitting army chief has publicized his property details.

Thapa announced that he would establish a tradition to publicize the property details of all generals and officers of the army. There have been widespread concerns over the corruption and irregularities within the army as none of the government's anti-graft bodies have the authority to probe any case of corruption in the army.

On Tuesday, Army Chief Thapa constituted a special mechanism headed by an inspection officer in order to control corruption within the army. This mechanism will have the jurisdiction to probe into financial dealings of any army officer.

On the occasion, Army Chief Thapa also reiterated that Nepal Army would in no way be an obstacle to end the political transition in the country. He expressed commitment to extend support in all possible ways to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process.

 
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