Rekha Shrestha

Bharatpur, February 16:

These purposeful-looking men trudge over rugged mountainsides in the country, days and nights, hunting and destroying rebel hideouts, securing villages, and helping people return to a normal life. The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) Rangers have cut their teeth as an elite force in doing strenous duties nonstop for months.

Charlie Company conducted a fortnight-long operation in Dhading before going Arghakhachi on assignment for entire December. Just when the soldiers thought they could hang up their boots for a few days, they were sent to the mid-western region. Armed with mortars and lighter weapons, they are combing Mahabharat range for the Maoists. “Rangers are mobilized wherever there is threat perception to other RNA units,” said special force commander, Brigadier General Dilip Rana. They are better equipped, have more sophisticated weapons and hence confident. High morale is also generated by good leadership, which encourages camaraderie and discipline. They are always busy since their strength is only a battalion. The first Alpha company operated continuously for 11 months without a break. Officers worrying continuous operations could adversely affect the Rangers’ efficiency.

Meanwhile, scratch a Maoist militant and he’ll say he is “fighting a people’s war”. Also, ask any RNA soldier and he will firmly declare that “the army is fighting for the people.” Soldier Binod Tamang said, “The country is in crisis, and the Rangers can bail it out. Thinking of the enemy motivates me to function without resting.” One night during an operation in Arghakhachi, Tamang along with a lieutenant fell from a height of 80 feet in the dark. Luckily, they landed on some creepers and survived. Troops went without cooked food for 11 days and without water for 24 hours but never cribbed. The Rangers’ favourite pastime is recalling such stories. Rangers are no different from other troops but they act differently, said an officer. “Alpha company contributed Rs 100,000 from its ration money and bought medicines, radio sets and assault vests to complement the war efforts.”

So far, Rangers have killed 134 Maoists while losing 10 men during 31 operations in 38 districts since the unit’s formation in 2003. It was formed at the initiative of Chief of Army Staff, General Pyar Jung Thapa, himself the first RNA Ranger. Operations in Pandaun are proof the Rangers performed outstandingly. Buoyed by encouragement from US Army instructors, Rangers are fighting hard but fighting clean as the officers are “leading like nowhere else in the world in order to avoid collateral damage.” A lieutenant recalled, “We got a tip-off about Maoists in Dhading. All officers were eager to cut to the chase. We had to select by lottery.”

Storming Maoist hideouts depends on operational planning, intelligence and luck. “Maoists have the advantage as they are fighting a guerrilla war while we lack good local intelligence networks. But we Rangers are confident we will surprise them,” said a Ranger commander.

After weeks in rocky terrain and snowbound mountains, these soldiers crave only a few simple luxuries. “Enjoying the simpler pleasures is the beauty of army life. For a Ranger, walking on plain ground is a luxury,” said a captain, who confessed he was longing for a hot shower, and a cup of piping hot coffee before hitting the sack and boning up on political science prior to shutting his peepers.