Trusting the Nepali Army in Times of Crisis: Within the Country and Abroad

Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness during his visit to the Mid-Eastern Division Headquarters on January 27, 2025.

Nepal today finds itself in the midst of a grave national security crisis. For more than three decades, the country has suffered under deepening corruption, undemocratic governance, social inequality, and entrenched systems of favoritism and nepotism. Successive governments and political parties have consistently ignored the growing discontent of ordinary citizens. Public protests and repeated calls for change were dismissed, underestimated, or left unaddressed.

Instead of prioritizing national interest, political parties and their cadres became preoccupied with ethnic, regional, and personal agendas. Political organizations placed themselves above the state and the law. The consequences of this long-standing failure are now visible: unprecedented loss of life and property. Children and young citizens have become victims of a crisis created by the very leaders who have alternate power repeatedly. Within the voices and sacrifices of Generation Z, one can see both genuine demands for change and the troubling presence of opportunistic violence, looting, and destruction arrived out by those seeking to exploit instability for personal or political gain.

It is the duty of every Nepali to protect, not destroy, the nation’s assets, heritage, and historic
structures. Burning cultural treasures and public property only pushes the country closer to ashes.
Currently, Nepal lacks strong leadership. Widespread violence and looting have severely endangered national security. In such a perilous hour, the ultimate institution safeguarding the lives of citizens, Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and national unity is the Nepali Army. History has proven that the Army has never been an instrument of any single regime or political power—it has always stood firmly with the nation and its people.

The credibility and diplomacy of the Nepali Army are well recognized across the world. The discipline and professionalism it has demonstrated at home have made its role in global peacekeeping efforts highly commendable. Through its contributions to international peace, the Nepali Army has played an unparalleled role in strengthening Nepal’s image as a responsible and democratic member of the global community.

Since the night of Bhadra 24, the Nepali Army has already been mobilized to restore law, order, and peace. Alongside it, the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Intelligence are working tirelessly for security. For this reason, it is the foremost civic duty of all Nepalis to support, not obstruct, the Army and security institutions. Protecting our heritage and resources, not destroying them, is the responsibility of a true citizen.

The immediate national priority must be the formation of a legitimate government and the restoration of peace and stability. At this crucial juncture, the Army requires the unwavering support of the Nepali people. Citizens must refrain from any activity that undermines national interests or disturbs peace and order.

The people have strong faith in the Nepali Army, trusting that it will take every necessary step to
protect citizens and lead the country out of this complex and dangerous crisis.