KATHMANDU: Defence Minister Bidhya Devi Bhandari said that a strong army was required as the country was vulnerable to different kinds of conflict.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the seminar organised by the Nepali Army on developing civil-military relations in Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on Wendesday , Bhandari said that NA was fully committed to civilian supremacy and rule of law.

“Despite many problems and adverse condition, the NA is executing its job with high morale.” She also dismissed rumours that the army was not committed to the civilian supremacy. “Army is always committed to law and constitution.” She also said that the UCPN-Maoist wanted its supremacy over the army.

The seminar concluded with a note that there was a need to maintain the professionalism of the army. The participants also agreed that the NA needed more transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, besides infrastructure to embrace the professionalism. Similarly, the NA needs the moral support from the political system, not interference on army functioning, it was agreed.