Security experts and ex-officials have stressed on the need for the general public to realise their individual responsibilities in strengthening the security of the country.

“Security of any nation is not only linked with the defence force of the country,” said Gita Bhakta Joshi, president of Academic Research and Development Action Council (ARDAC), at a talk programme on ‘National Security and Public Participation’ on Monday. “Public participation is a crucial part in strengthening the system,” he noted.

Meanwhile, political analyst Ananda Aditya stressed on the need for a serious dialogue between key stakeholders whose stakes are deeper, larger, more important and far-reaching “if peace and security hold stakes for more than just the government and the Maoists.”

“Whether the issue is deterrence of violence, coping with the crisis, or dialogue for negotiations, the role of public cannot be denied,” Aditya argued. “The bottomline should be drawn by us, for rules, norms and even principles imposed by others have not and will not work,” he stated.

“It is only recently that the internal security has been given its due priority,” said Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani, vice-president of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). “The public participation in the security debate is very essential, since they are the ones who have to deal with whatever decision is taken.”

Stating the failure of internal security for materialising on possibility of external intervention, Dr Lohani said that national security should be viewed in the context of the overall situation of the country.

Whereas, former inspector general of police, Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan stressed the need of addressing the issue of open border. “It is crucial to resolve the confusion of border even before we discuss on strengthening the security of the country,” he said.

“In order to have a comprehensive security, it is important to realise that the conventional definition of security being internal harmony is as important as the traditional description of security which implied one’s protection from external forces,” Pradhan opined.

Referring to the partial success of the recent five-day Nepal bandh called on by the Maoist terrorists, he said that it has posed a grave question about the public faith in the Nepali government.

“The government needs to gain public trust in improving the situation of the country,” said Satchit Sumsher JB Rana, former chief of army staff. “It is very crucial to have a strong foundation to have a sturdy defence system in the country.” He also said that impartial and unbiased journalism is an important factor in making a secure future for the country.

Former inspector general of police, Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, addressing a talk programme on ‘National Security and Public Participation’ held in Kathmandu on Monday. Himalayan Photo