Forum (Spotlight Weekly)

Nation's Security Rests On Unity

By GENERAL PRAJWALLA SJB RANA

I would like to say to all Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) staff a few things about the present state of the country and national security issues. Not only the Nepalese people, but the whole international community, is concerned about the deteriorating condition of the country's security over the last few years, which has now reached a very complicated stage. Terrorists, extremists, communal separatists and criminal elements are raising their heads. Incidents that push our society further towards uncertainty and anarchy are occurring everyday. These things have posed several questions not only to us but to all Nepalese.

Occasionally we hear statements from responsible persons that the RNA is stationed only at district headquarters and is adopting a defensive posture. These one-sided opinions are totally baseless. It is true that due to several difficulties it is not possible for RNA to be permanently stationed wherever they go, but the encounters taking place at different places are enough to prove that such statements are misplaced.

The important point here is to understand who brought the country to this state. Is this situation the result of bad governance or has it been brought by the army? Has the state of emergency been enforced simply because the army wanted it or because of the grave threat to national security? Before debating this issue, we should understand why the state of emergency was necessary. Is the emergency in force just because the army demanded it, especially in a country where there is a democratic system, elected representatives and an elected majority government? Should we consider the continual attacks against the constitution, constitutional government, government machinery and the Nepalese people a national emergency or not? No sane citizen can ever take lightly the killing of one Nepalese by another. Did the RNA come forward to do such things? How justified is it to hold the RNA, the custodian of national security, responsible for the difficult situation resulting from the last 12 years of politics? Why were the recommendations and suggestions periodically made by the RNA on national security not taken seriously? The answers to these questions would uncover the reality.

The RNA has been doing its duty and has carried out His Majesty's Government's order. But are the elected representatives doing their jobs in their respective constituency? Why aren't they helping the security forces fighting in their constituencies? Today, when all the people should have been united in the fight against the Maoists, games to grab power among and within political parties are continuing unabated. Why is there a systematic effort to paint the RNA's efforts in political colors, rather than associating the army with the nation and national security? Has the RNA received the desired support from all sectors?

These circumstances seriously affect the nation's security and survival, and I want to tell all RNA staff that serious questions about the role of the RNA, one of the most important pillars of this country, are now being asked everywhere. I would also like to point out that only the honorable prime minister and few young ministers have understood the gravity of the national security situation and given corresponding cooperation to the security forces.

There is no doubt that the RNA, which is responsible for the independence, sovereignty, integrity and security of the kingdom of Nepal, is always committed to the service of the nation, monarchy and people remaining within the parameters of the constitution. The RNA not only adheres to the constitution, but also works toward defending it. The RNA never uses ambiguous language.

Although there are various reasons for the country's precarious situation today, Maoist terrorism is the main one. The RNA has been deployed in accordance with the constitution to root out terrorism. War against terror is a long and complicated battle. Sometime you succeed and sometime you face obstacles. But whatever the obstacles, we should not be distracted — rather we should learn lessons from them. We are extremely sensitive about preventing harm to innocent people and we have given clear directions in this regard. However, there may have been weaknesses on our part. We have been regularly improving our efforts by learning from such mistakes.

Although the primary responsibility for national security lies with the RNA, all forces of the country are equally responsible. The success of government efforts depends upon the national commitment, people's support, encouragement, cooperation and confidence. Any threat to the nation can be thwarted provided there is desired support from political parties, intellectuals and particularly the fourth estate — the media.

I would like to take this opportunity to say something to our friends from the media. The country is passing through a difficult phase. The economic situation is very weak. Because of security reasons, tourism-based industries are collapsing. Development work is being derailed. Is there not a need to restore the peaceful image of our country? Despite various difficulties and lack of cooperation, the RNA is fighting for the sake of the country and people. It is natural to expect accurate and truthful coverage of events, which would boost the morale of the soldiers at this juncture. A small but false news or opinion could undermine the confidence that has been built with painstaking effort. It is natural for people to have different opinions. But at a time of crisis like this, it is important to put those differences behind. I appeal to all journalists to help the RNA carry out its responsibilities in an atmosphere of unity.

At a time when the whole world is united against terrorism, we Nepalese lack the united voice. The countries supporting the global campaign against terrorism are willing to help us. There is a stark need for collective and coordinated efforts from the nation's forces to bolster our fight against the Maoist terrorists.

The secretariat of the National Security Council has recently started functioning in accordance with the constitution. I am fully confident that this secretariat will provide adequate support in the preservation of national security in the days ahead.

Ever since national unification, Nepal has never been colonized. This has been possible because of our wise and far-sighted monarchs and brave ancestors. Now the responsibility of saving this nation has fallen on our shoulders. All Nepalese should move forward by carrying out their respective responsibilities at this crucial time. All Nepalese should get an opportunity for development based on norms and values of the constitution and under the able leadership of His Majesty the King — the symbol of national unity. This is the wish of all Nepalese and this is the wish of the Royal Nepalese Army.

(Translated excerpts from the address by General Prajwalla SJB Rana, Chief of the Army Staff, Royal Nepalese Army, delivered at the ninth convocation program at the Command and Staff College, Shivapuri on March 27)