By Shashi P.B. Malla
Given the widespread attachment to the nation as a social and political organization, national interest is a powerful device for invoking support.
The term is used first, to seek support for domestic policy objectives.
In foreign policy, the term invokes an image of the nation, or the nation-state, defending its interests within the anarchic – and increasingly multipolar — international system where dangers abound and the interests of the nation are always at risk.
National Security has both domestic and international components.
It is the sum total of all the determinants that identify the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the nation.
Nepal’s Army’s rapid reaction
A very critical situation arose after the Generation Z protests breached the parliament building and the order was given to the police/armed police to fire with live bullets on the demonstrators [it is not yet known who ultimately gave the order which contributed to the escalation of the violence].
In any case, this led to a spiralling of violence – a peaceful, non-violent demonstration was suddenly transformed into anarchic violence, infiltrated by anti-social and anti-national elements.
It was then that the Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel acted promptly, determinedly and resolutely.
In a no-nonsense address to the Nepali nation, Gen. Sigdel called for an immediate end to the unnecessary violence engulfing the country.
He recalled the glorious tradition of the Nepal Army – after all, it was the Gorkhali Army under the command of the great Prithvi Narayan Shah, Raja of Gorkha, which was instrumental in unifying the nation – at a time when, for example, the United States of America was not yet born.
The Nepal Army operates in the footsteps of the visionary Prithvi Narayan, whose grand strategy had two components.
In the domestic field, it was to integrate the diverse ethnic groups of the nation – to cultivate a beautiful garden where many different flowers bloom.
The Nepal Army has been true to this maxim by being the melting pot for the many diverse ethnic groups – north to south and east to west.
It is the only institution actively promoting a multiple society, integrating race, language, religion and culture.
In the external environment, it adheres strictly to Prithvi Narayan Shah’s doctrine of equal distance and proximity to the two great civilizations of Asia.
Under the direction of General Sigdel, the Nepal Army rapidly re-established law and order, and in a few days, calm was restored.
In hindsight, General Sigdel was the right man, in the right place, at a terrible and crucial time in the nation’s history.
There was acute danger that the country would descend into domestic chaos – which was what the anti-national elements were aiming for.
This would have opened the flood-gates for external interference.
The Nepal Army was severely tested – and it came out with flying colours!
The people of Nepal must be forever grateful to General Sigdel and the Nepal Army for resolutely defending and preserving the country’s national interests and keeping intact our national security.
We all can breathe a sigh of relief that our sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are in good hands!
The writer can be reached at:
shashimalla125@gmail.com
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