Kathmandu: The Nepali Army (NA) has announced its readiness to deploy all security agencies from 10:00pm onwards if the current adverse situation persists, citing concerns about groups exploiting the unrest to damage public and private properties, engage in looting, and commit arson.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the NA emphasized the urgent need to halt such activities and declared that it, along with other security bodies, is prepared to take control if necessary. The primary responsibility of these agencies, as stated in a press release, is to protect Nepal and its citizens. The NA has also called on the public to cooperate in maintaining peace and order, assuring that further information will be provided after assessing the situation.
In a related message, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel urged protesting groups to suspend their activities and engage in dialogue to peacefully resolve the ongoing crisis. In a video statement released late in the evening, Sigdel stressed the importance of preventing further harm to life and property and urged cooperation in maintaining peace, security, and national unity.
General Sigdel highlighted the duty of all citizens to safeguard the nation’s supreme interests by normalizing the current challenging situation. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of national and historical heritage, citizens’ property, and the diplomatic missions of friendly countries. Sigdel also reaffirmed the Nepali Army’s longstanding commitment to the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and the security of its people, even in challenging times.