KATHMANDU, Sept 10: President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ashokraj Sigdel, with the rank of general of the Nepalese Army. As the Supreme Commander of the Nepalese Army, President Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chief of Army Staff Sigdel during a special ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday.

Sigdel, the 45th Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army, officially assumed command on September 9. The Constitution of Nepal tasks the army with safeguarding the nation’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. Additionally, the army plays a key role in disaster management, national development, peacekeeping, internal security, forest and environmental protection, preservation of historical heritage, and emergency search and rescue operations.

Dignitaries present at the event included Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal.

Sigdel succeeded Prabhuram Sharma, the former Chief of Army Staff, who retired after completing his three-year tenure. In line with protocol, the outgoing Chief of Army Staff was on home leave for one month prior to his retirement.

Commander-in-Chief Sigdel has extensive professional military education from both Nepal and abroad. He graduated from the Army Command and Staff College Shivapuri and the National Defense University of China. He also completed the Higher Command and Management Course at the Army War College and the Defense Management Course in India.

With a master's degree in strategic studies from Tribhuvan University and the National Defense University of China, Sigdel has attended numerous national and international workshops and seminars. Throughout his 38-year military career, he has commanded counter-insurgency and jungle warfare schools, infantry brigades, and divisions. He led the Nepalese Army delegation during the 2022 US-Nepal Third Land Force Talks and served as the Secretary of the Covid Crisis Management Center (CCMC) during the pandemic.

Known for his keen interest in national and international strategic affairs, Sigdel is recognized as a thoughtful leader within the organization. He has held key roles in the military, including war and maintenance departments, and as Director General of Policy and the Valley Division.

On the international stage, Sigdel has served in challenging peacekeeping missions in Eastern Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia under the United Nations. In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been decorated with various national and international medals, including Janasewashree III and the 'CoAS Commendation Letter,' which he has received twice for his contributions to the military.

The Nepalese Army continues to make significant contributions to international peacekeeping. Known for its professionalism, discipline, and commitment to human rights, the army has earned the trust of conflict-affected nations. Nepal is one of the leading countries in deploying peacekeepers, including women, at the request of the United Nations. Till date, 152,823 peacekeepers from Nepal have participated in 44 missions around the world.

Currently, 5,916 Nepali soldiers, including 675 women, are serving in 11 peacekeeping missions in various conflict zones worldwide.

 
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