This is my reply to those members of the House of Representatives (HoR) who recently wanted to downsize the Nepal Army to save the economy.

Maybe you are not aware, the rostrum behind which you stand and talk of "downsizing the army" is on the ground that was part of a small principality annexed by the army under the unification campaign of Nepal. I would also like to request you to go through the pages of history and find out the role of the army in defending the nation from the mighty British colonial power in the Anglo-Nepal war of 1814. Remember, Nepal is the only country that was never colonised by the British in South Asia.

Ask yourselves, who could be the one behind these proud moments of history? I believe, your nationality is Nepali or you identify yourself as a Nepali. It could not have been possible in the absence of the Nepal Army. If you are proud to be a Nepali then be proud of the army which must be credited for or attributed to your identity as a Nepali. The nation as "Nepal" is the outcome of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who fought and gave their sweat and blood for the sake of the country.

You also look naive and ignorant about the role of the Nepal Army in the UN Peacekeeping Missions. Since the very beginning of the UN Peace Mission in 1956, the Nepal Army has been contributing troops in its missions around the world. Today Nepal ranks second in the list of countries contributing troops to the United Nations, with 6,070 personnel deployed in 13 different Peacekeeping Missions. The demand for troops from Nepal for these missions is high.

The Nepal Army has also been providing training to other countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodian, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Japan and Thailand, among others, in various aspects of the peace keeping mission at the Panchkhal Training Centre in Kavre. Nepal's army has had the opportunity to train other countries in peace keeping by the UN. This is the result of the Nepal Army's acumen, experience and expertise in peacekeeping. This is how Nepal is recognised as a peace keeper of the world in the international arena.

Do you still question the capability of Nepal Army? Economic experts like you believe the country is facing a severe economic crisis. May be there are many other factors that are responsible for this crisis.

The people believe the current economic crisis is not just an outcome of today, it has been there since the advent of so-called multi-party democracy in 1990. Industries, which were vibrant and running well, and employed thousands of youths during the Panchayat era, were dismantled and sold to private companies.

The people believe rampant corruption at all levels is one of the major causes of the economic crisis. All the top political leaders and the bureaucrats are involved in corruption. Another factor for the crisis

could be the instability or frequent change of government, lacking time to focus on planning economic prosperity and development of the country. They look always worried and are busy defending their chair.

The political leaders never seem to envision and recognise the economic potential of the country. Tourism, hydropower and mining of minerals could uplift the country to a new height of economic prosperity. On the other hand, Nepal's geopolitical location could play a vital role in spurring economic growth. Nepal is sandwiched between two most populous countries, China and India. Nepal could act as transit point in between these two thriving economies and benefit from it. No news of such effort is heard in this direction from the government till date. Currently, the remittance received from abroad is the only source sustaining the country's economy. The credit goes to the youths who are sweating in the deserts of the Gulf at 50 degrees Centigrade.

The army is a symbol of a sovereign and independent nation. It is an essential part of a sovereign nation. When you discuss in public about the strength and capability of the army, you are directly breaching the security of the nation. It is not a matter for discussion in public. You are also demoralising the army, questioning its ability or capability. It is a dire violation of national security, for which one could be convicted of treason. Why does the strength of the army bother you? Has it become a hurdle or an obstacle to your Grand Design?

Another interesting question is, how has the matter of downsizing the army suddenly come out of the blue followed by naive and ignorant remarks by some members of the House on the capability of the army? The question is, was it a mere coincidence or is something brewing behind the scene?

Further, the government and the so-called opposition are both quiet and do not respond or react on such a serious and sensitive matter of national security. Moreover, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's response on the mural of "Akhanda Bharat" in the newly-built parliament building in New Delhi, which includes some parts of Nepal, is surprising and full of intrigue.

Also, the Prime Minister's expression in public to form a government favourable to India and his affiliation to a businessman, Pritam Singh, who is said to have lobbied in New Delhi to help Dahal become the prime minister cast doubts about his motive. Should the people of Nepal believe now that Prime Minister Dahal was nominated by New Delhi?

Nepal is a sovereign and independent country. We formally believe in the nonaligned foreign policy. We reject any foreign interference in our internal matters. We abhor traitors in Nepal. All the matters discussed above by the HoR could be a threat to our national security. The people of Nepal should be alert and cautious, Downsizing the army could be a Grand Design.

A version of this article appears in the print on August 23, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.