Nepal Army (NA) observed the Army Day that coincides with Maha Shivaratri festival on Monday by organising various programmes. NA has been celebrating the Army day every year on the day of Mahashivaratri from 1991 onwards.

A special function was held at the Army Pavilion in Tudikhel in the capital to mark the day.

President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Paramananda Jha, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai , Ministers and representatives of foreign diplomatic corps took part in the programme.

At the function, the NA personnel carried out various demonstrations, drills and parade.

Meanwhile, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav extended best wishes to the Nepali Army on the occasion of the Army Day.

In a message given on the occasion of the Army Day-2012 on Monday, President Yadav wished that the army would remain the source of inspiration of people for the highest standard of discipline, honesty, and unfettered patriotism it has demonstrated in course of carrying out its duty.

President Yadav said the NA has been faithfully carrying out its responsibilities like conservation of natural resources, protection of key public infrastructures and installations, carrying out development projects and disaster management and other responsibilities assigned to it by the State.

President Yadav hailed the NA for its international-standard professionalism and contribution to the World Peace as per the directive of the United Nations Organization (UNO).

Similarly, Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, in his message expressed best wishes, saying the Nepalese Army carries a gallantry and dignified history and was active in national security, sovereignty, integrity, and independence of the country. The PM said the Nepalese Army has been making an important contribution to the development of the country and to disaster mitigation and rescue and relief activities in addition to national security.

He said the peace keeping duty carried out by the NA as the national army of Nepal under the umbrella of the United Nations by going to different conflict-ravaged countries of the world is worthy of appreciation in the international level as well.

Similarly, in his message to the NA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar said the role of NA is commendable for national unity, territorial integrity, national security, and peace and prosperity.

Likewise, in his message on the occasion, Chief of the Army Staff Chhatraman Singh Gurung expressed the determination that the Nepalese Army will institutionally remain dedicated to protection and promotion of the national unity, and the welfare of the people in the country. nepalnews.com

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