KATHMANDU, June 26: Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, who also serves as the Defense Minister, has said that it is inappropriate to reduce the number of personnel in the Nepali Army.
During a recent session at the House of Representatives, DPM Khadka responded to inquiries from parliamentarians regarding the budget allocation for the Ministry of Defense. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the current strength of the Nepali Army and moving forward to fulfill its multifaceted responsibilities.
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DPM Khadka clarified that the Nepali Army is an institution dedicated to upholding the Constitution and is diligently carrying out its duties in accordance with its mandate. He stated, "Our esteemed members are well aware of the constitutional arrangements and provisions that ensure the Nepali Army remains committed to the principles outlined in the Constitution. Therefore, I would like to assert that the size of our Nepali Army and the responsibilities entrusted to it are appropriate, given the diverse range of obligations we face."
He further acknowledged the pressing need to bolster the capabilities of the Nepali Army in order to effectively tackle the growing security challenges prevailing in the global landscape.
"While discussing national security policy, we must consider the evolving security environment around the world. Every nation, including ours, encounters distinct security challenges and threats, such as external aggression, internal conflicts, terrorism, economic crises, and epidemics, all of which significantly impact human lives," noted DPM Khadka.
In light of these factors, Khadka stressed the importance of reinforcing the Nepali Army's capacity to confront the mounting security challenges of today's world