The question of Nepal's national security

In response to the questions of NNTV Group Chief Editor Tirtha Koirala about the issues of national security, Nepal's foreign policy, internal and external security, border security, security of Nepal and Nepalese, former Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri, who has received honors from the UN, America, Pakistan and other countries, says--

"I have been serving in the Nepal Army for 40 years." The Nepal Army is a major source of power in Nepal. It is the ultimate force to protect the nation and the people. 

The Nepal Army had been fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, an organization that was fulfilling it. The army is moving forward while also adapting to the changes in the system. The work, duties and responsibilities of the army have been made clear by the constitution. Geographical integrity, independence, unity are the grounds of the army. The army is moving by focusing on these responsibilities. Army has been assessing various issues. If there is a need to do something, the army is agile, ready. The Nepal Army, which has a number of 97,000, is inclusive, commercial, and even the Maoists have come to the military mainstream. In the past, even Baburam has raised the issue of reducing it to 20,000. Nepal is an independent country. The last force to save the country of an independent country is the army. This has been true since history. This is not something to say lightly.

The constitution has also given additional responsibilities. There are other works of peacekeeping, natural disaster, nature conservation, security. There is so much work in the army that there is a situation of not being able to go home for a few years.

Border crossings, the question of why nothing is done at the border is also raised. Homework is being prepared and practiced on how to mobilize the army in case of geographical problems and external encroachment. The army is always ready to run. But there should be a political decision on border security. Border security issues are the top priority of the army.

The army knows the problem. Talking about how many problems, it has been said that if these problems are not solved, it will not be in the security interest of both the countries. In fact, the responsibility of border security has been given to the ParaMilitary Force. The same practice is practiced in India, China and SAARC countries. The army has also raised the issue of responsibility in the National Security Council. There are problems, there has been realization.

The government should demarcate the border posts, move around and see if it was flooded. The border was first on both sides north and south. That was what happened. There should be political and diplomatic dialogue in big disputes. The state of war is final. Don't have to go to that stage. 

Yes, border management should be done. Keep records, monitor. It has been said that there is a serious interest in keeping the army in Kalapani. It has also been expressed on the map. 

If our army can be kept, even if we do not have a gun, we have to do a lot of reason to claim the claim as a military or administrative. We have to do other talks, evidence, aspects. Leaving without monitoring will make it easier for plus minus. Inspection should be done. Rehabilitation will be facilitated by building border points.

The main thing is that there is no national basic policy yet. When there was a monarchy, it was the national basic policy. Now it is in the constitution. The security policy is on the basis of the constitution. We had to move forward on the basis of national basic policy, there is a lack of basic policy. 

The number of Nepali army is not large. National security is responsible, 10,000 for the security of the nationalpark, 10,000 for the peacekeeping force, 10,000 for the security of important structures, 7,000 for VVIP and other security, 10,000 will be vacant, the remaining 30,000 for training, exercises, preparation, disaster management, etc. 

Did you cut the responsibility to make the army size smaller¿ 

First, the army had to do the work that others could not do, which was to open the roads and horses towards the mountains. At present, the welfare fund has to be involved in the welfare operation and development. Fast track work was forced into vertical terms. If there is no capacity, there is a situation to be outsourcing. The army fulfills the given responsibility, has done, is doing. In terms of roads, the Army Corps of Engineering is like in India, China, USA and Pakistan. North South, fast track is also strategic. It is also the strategy of fuel reserve operated by the security forces. The army is mobilizing education, health and housing from the welfare fund. The welfare fund, which started from Rs. 12.4 million in 2032 BS, has now increased to Rs. 60 billion. Welfare work is being done from its interest, work is being done to make Ex soldiers self-reliant and motivate them for employment oriented work. 

Yes, the eyes of foreign powers are on Nepal. The army is standing in a non-aligned foreign policy, not to go left and right. Nepal has been conducting joint exercises with the armies of China, India and the United States. The Nepal Army does not do anything to oppose, opposed. Professional development has been developed focusing on professional development, interests and interests. Let them learn something, let the Nepal Army learn something from them from new techniques, technology, tactics. The collective practice of the army is based on peace, disaster management, counter terrorism, counter-insurgency, and the professionalism of the army. Has raised We have a policy of not mobilizing against anyone. 

The US SPP (MCC) - Although the State Partnership Program is said to be aimed at China, it is a program. Not strategic. It has already been said that it is a program, but it is not a military force (bases). The topic of strategy is no longer an issue.

 The Nepal Army should never do anything to hurt Nepal's identity and integrity. The army is clear on Nepal's policy. 

The Nepal Army has military relations with the armies of allies. It is a unique tradition to exchange honorary general posts between the Nepalese armies and India. The honorary has not been given any responsibility. Recently, five former Indian generals came to participate in Army Day. We also went to India last year. There was talk of Gurkha soldiers, religion and culture like Rotibeti. There are many aspects of the relationship. During the earthquake, the help of soldiers from China, India, America etc. was received. Great loss of human wealth was avoided. It was resolved after explaining that security during the blockade period was not beneficial due to military diplomacy.

Priority should be given to expanding military relations. Expansion of relations with neighboring countries like SAARC, UN-recognized and especially veto-powered countries like the United States should be a priority. The Nepal Army is a brave intelligent army. The first duty of the army is security. The army pays attention to the security of Nepal and Nepalis. The responsibility given as per the constitution has been given importance. (https://youtube.com/watch¿v=WunSsKlT-3k&feature=share)

The conclusion of the interview of Rajendra Chhetri, the former Chief of Army Staff is as follows:

The Nepali Army is an army that has eaten the salt of the people. Nepali's first and last power army. An army that adapts to army change. An army trusted by the people. The army is aware of the country's situation and is aware. The army is also aware of the border problem. The army has suggested to the government. Army has done military exercises with the foreign army, Army should do it, Army should learn it. Must be taught. The army is the watchman, the last force to save the integrity of Nepal. Nepali is always ready to protect the soil. It does not seem that any foreigner is interested in invading Nepal. Powerful Country may have interests, we should be careful. It will be easier to live by sticking to the policy of non-alignment. We must avoid close economic and military relations with any country. Any foreign attempt to interfere in our affairs must be pushed back.

Relations with the neighborhood should be improved. There is tension between India and Pakistan, there was a war between India and China in 1962 and there was a clash in 2020. Conflict may spread, as a non-aligned power, Nepal will decide to remain neutral and not allow anyone to use our land. There is no need for Nepal to fall somewhere. Independence should be strengthened. Avoid getting into conflict. Maintaining strong relationships with allies other than neighbors can help us stay independent. There are many areas where we can work together with the military, including the US. It has become clear that SPP is only a program, not a strategy. US-India will be united against China, Nepal should move forward to build strong relations with other countries as well. 

United Nations peacekeeping missions have our help. I think Nepal has built effective bilateral military relations with various countries, we have many friends who will continue to support us.         By Tirtha Koirala (google translation)