Although the genesis of armed force in Nepal dates back to 350 AD, modern notion of army was conceived by late king Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1740 during his unification campaign. Perceiving threats from foreign forces, particularly the British and the French, he started five independent companies of soldiers, each company with a few hundred soldiers. It was then known as Gurkhali Fouz (Gurkhali Army). After Gurkhali Fouz captured Kathmandu Valley (then Nepal) in 1768, this force started to be known as Nepal Army.
It’s been more than two and a half centuries since the establishment of Nepal Army. In this time it has passed through a number of difficult phases but it has always been an apolitical, disciplined and upright organization with absolute trust of Nepali people. History shows that NA has always acted based on feelings and sentiments of the country’s citizens.
In the post-conflict situation, questions are sometimes raised about the size of Nepal Army: Does Nepal need an army of 97,000 when economic development should be the national priority? The question carries enormous significance. It needs a comprehensive explanation.
According to Article 267, Clause 1 of Nepal’s Constitution 2072, the primary role of Nepal Army is to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national unity of the country. The constitution has authorized NA to get involved in other roles like national development and disaster management.
Partaking in United Nations’ Peacekeeping missions has become an indispensible secondary duty of NA. In line with Nepal’s foreign policy, military diplomacy, international relations and globalism for peace and prosperity, around 4,500 Nepali soldiers are working in 15 peacekeeping missions around the globe. This makes Nepal the sixth highest contributor of force to UN missions in the world. So far, 63 soldiers have lost their lives while serving in those missions.
National development is another area of NA’s responsibility. Nepal Army has opened 22 road tracks (1,125 km in all) and is currently working to open Jajarkot-Dolpa-Karnali corridor, Kali Gandaki corridor and Trishuli-Shyafrubesi-Rasuwagadi tracks, which are of national priority.
Additionally, the task of constructing Madi Khola hydro project (12.25 MW) has been entrusted to NA. Army’s involvement in development works is of immense assistance to the government, as the country continues to be plagued by underdevelopment and lack of infrastructure.
Realizing the competence of Nepal Army, Parliament’s State Affairs Committee has asked the government to enhance NA’s engineering capability so that it can be mobilized for further development works. Despite its contribution in development, it is often said NA gobbles up a big section of the budget that could otherwise be spent on development works. Let us not forget NA is not only consuming national budget, it is also helping to generate economy.
Nepal has been able to control deforestation and maintain low greenhouse gas emission, largely due to NA’s commitment to forest and wildlife conservation. The state is receiving handsome amounts from Green Climate Fund (GCF), which aims to donate US$ 100 billion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020.
According to recent data, nine national parks and conservation areas and three wildlife reserves—making for 18 percent of total national landmass—are being protected by the Army. NA is preparing to guard Makalu Barun National Park and Dhorpatan Wildlife Hunting Reserve as well.
Disaster management is another responsibility of Nepal Army. Nepal is among top 20 vulnerable countries in the world. Hundreds of people lose their lives to natural calamities every year. With its widespread presence throughout the country, as well as its medical, communication and air transport capabilities, NA is capable of acting promptly during disasters. The army’s role in rescue and relief following the 2015 earthquakes attests to this fact. The country has realized that disaster management capacity of NA needs to be upgraded. A ten-year master plan has been framed to make NA more competent to handle catastrophes on its own.
Some believe the army’s engagement in unconventional and technical jobs might compromise its professionalism. This claim is unfounded. Even armies of developed nations are involved in development works through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects so that they can win the hearts of common people. Multinational forces are, likewise, involved in development works in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Good Civil Military Relation (CMR) has become indispensible for democratic countries today. For a country like Nepal, for which military diplomacy and activities are inevitable tools to pursue its national interest, amicable civil-military relation is a must.
In least developed countries like Nepal, defense matters are hardly state priorities. Lack of defense-savvy individuals might be a reason. But constitutional provision for inclusion of Chief of the Army Staff as an active member of National Security Council and appointment of retired General as defense advisor of Prime Minister are some promising developments that will strengthen cooperation and understanding between Army and the government.
Regular communication, exchange of information, trainings and sharing of desks at relevant offices can be other means to cement the bond between the government and the army. There is also a global practice to take competent retired military officers and generals into bureaucracy to tackle issues of defense and national security. Nepal may follow this practice especially when there are public grievances that national security and national interest are not being given due importance.
The author is a graduate in Strategic Studies and Political Science
shrijan7malla@hotmail.com
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