Kathmandu: Chief of the Army Staff, Ashok Raj Sigdel, asserted that the Nepali Army (NA) remains consistently committed to maintaining national unity. Speaking at a conference of the retired NA soldiers today, Army Chief Sigdel reminded attendees of the NA’s unparalleled contribution throughout its 263-year history in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Army Chief Sigdel highlighted the necessity of further developing the NA into a capable institution that preserves its historic legacy while effectively addressing current and future challenges. CoAS Sigdel emphasized the NA’s role in protecting national sovereignty, ensuring internal security, supporting development efforts, managing disasters, and contributing to international peacekeeping missions. These efforts have established the NA as a trusted and esteemed institution both domestically and internationally.
On the occasion, the Army Chief shared that the Nepali Army Welfare Board is working to build and expand networks to bring beneficiaries under one umbrella. However, he pointed out challenges facing the operation and sustainability of welfare programs and schemes. The economic slowdown has strained these programs due to pressures in the banking sector, declining returns on fixed deposits, and a reduction in the number of troops in peacekeeping missions, among other factors.