DAMAULI, APRIL 8
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 here today, Army Chief Sigdel reminded that the NA has made an unparalleled contribution throughout its (263 year old) history in safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.
He highlighted the need to further develop NA into a capable institution that preserves its historic legacy while effectively addressing the current and future challenges.
During his speech, CoAS Sigdel also noted the NA's role in protecting national sovereignty, ensuring internal security, supporting development efforts and managing disasters and contributing to international peacekeeping missions had established it as a trusted and an esteemed institution both domestically and internationally.
On the occasion, the Army Chief shared that the Nepali Army Welfare Board was at work to build and expand networks to bring beneficiaries under one umbrella.
He, however, pointed out the challenges facing the operation and sustainability of the welfare programmes and schemes, stating that economic slowdown had strained welfare programmes due to pressures in the banking sector, declining returns on fixed deposits and slash down in the number of troops in the peacekeeping missions, among others.