Kathmandu, Sept 14: The Nepal Army has pledged to stay out of politics and support the interim government formed after the Gen-Z movement. Senior commanders, including Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, met soon after Sushila Karki became interim prime minister and agreed that the army would neither push for cabinet appointments nor interfere in political decisions.
Sigdel told officers the government must be allowed to function without outside pressure. He warned against recommending names for ministerial posts, saying only the Prime Minister decides. The army will offer suggestions only when asked.
This statement follows public concerns that the army was overstepping its role. After KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, the army had coordinated with protesters and the president to stabilize the situation, which led to suspicions of political influence. Sigdel made it clear that such coordination was limited to restoring order and would not continue as interference.
He stressed that the army’s duty is to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity, not engage in politics. He also called for discipline, a strong chain of command, and neutrality, positioning the army as a pillar of national unity.
The army has historically supported political transitions, including after the 2006–07 movement and the promulgation of the Constitution. Sigdel said the institution will keep reforming its systems to stay capable and reliable, always ready to meet security challenges. He emphasized that safeguarding the nation requires cooperation from all sides, not just the army’s efforts.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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