Issuing a message on the occasion of Army Day, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav congratulated Nepal Army (NA) whom he described as being always devoted to the country, people and national integrity and which has established itself as “the backbone of national security”.
“It gives me great pleasure to state that the Nepal Army has through its glorious tradition, honesty, discipline and unwavering patriotism become an institution upon which the nation can truly lay its trust on,” Dr Yadav said in the statement released by the Directorate of Public Relations of NA.
He said he was very confident that NA will move ahead “by making its ties with the people more profound and cordial” in order to strengthen the foundation of democratic system and values in the changing scenario of the country.
Similarly, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rookmangud Katuwal reiterated Nepal Army’s strong commitment to democratic system, people’s supremacy, human rights, rule of law, social harmony, cultural diversity.
In a statement that clearly reminded one of his past remarks - that the army should be kept away from politics - General Katuwal said that NA understands that it should keep itself away from engaging in partisan politics like in any other democratic countries and expressed commitment that it will always abide by the orders of Nepal government so as to work to safeguard the identity and sovereignty of Nepal and the Nepalese people.
Including the president and army chief, prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, vice-president Parmananda Jha, leaders of various political parties, chiefs of the constitutional bodies and other high-ranking officials attended the nearly hour-long programme.
As against the trend of the past two years, the prime minister didn’t issue any message on the occasion of the Army Day.
In line with the army tradition, CoAS Katawal presented insignias to two battalions of NA. CoAS Katawal also presented awards to winners of the various competitions organized to mark the day.
Similarly, march past, helicopter flyby, free fall jump, band display and guest competitions were performed on the occasion.
The yearly event which coincides with the Mahashivaratri festival was organized a day after NA received a major set back in its latest recruitment drive that saw it at loggerheads with the Ministry of Defense.
The Supreme Court on Sunday directed the government authorities and the Nepal Army to stop the recruitment process in the national army.
The Army Day was observed in what could be termed as the most crucial period of the two century long history of the institution where it saw itself for the first time under the command of the government led by its former arch-rival, the Maoists. nepalnews.com ag Feb 23 09
