NSC Secretariat: A Move Ahead

WITH the establishment of the National Security Council’s Secretariat as a separate entity that is aimed at studying, analysing and investigating all incidents detrimental to peace and security situation in the country, the government’s efforts to quell the Maoist insurgency is likely to be all the more sustained and resolute. As Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at the inaugural function of the Secretariat the other day said, national security that plays the central role in the overall development of the nation can be strengthened through consolidation of all the basic factors that include free-flow of information as well as investigation of facts and figures.

All other national issues that lead to the progress of the nation as a whole hinge on the peace and security situation. And while dealing with this issue, as Premier Deuba stated, continuation of parliamentary system, liberal economy, economic stability and law and order situation need to be thought of as complementary to one another. Therefore, the issue of security, which is an integral part of the national affairs, must be given top priority, especially at the present time when the Maoist insurgents have been attacking innocent citizens and security personnel in different parts of the country. Over the past six years, the terrorist activities have claimed thousands of lives, damaged property worth millions of rupees and thus hindered development works at different levels. It is the people who have to bear the brunt of all the incidents, be it Maoist terrorism or the government’s anti-terrorist move, because the development budget has been curtailed to make up for security expenses. So there is an immense task before the government to restore peace and security for progress and prosperity.

As reported in the media as well as raised by the opposition parties, the security operation against the terrorists has largely been hindered by the lack of information and coordination. Now that the Secretariat with the responsibility of formulating security strategies that include gathering information and forging coordination among different security bodies has been set up, the anti-terror campaign seems to have entered another phase with greater vigour and determination. At this time of need, all the people as responsible citizens of this Kingdom are now face to face with the responsibility of assisting the Secretariat in whatever way they can.

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