National 10 (Spotlight Weekly)

New Man At The Top

General Pyar Jung Thapa brings rich experience and firm determination to his new position

By A CORRESSPONDENT

From operations to planning and from intelligence to training, General Pyar Jung Thapa served in almost every sphere of duty in the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) before he was appointed chief of the 60,000-strong force last week.

In the history of unified Nepal, the army has toiled alongside the monarchy to strengthen the nation and nationalism. Whether in times of trouble or peace, the RNA has played a central role in rescuing the country from natural and man-made threats.

Imbued with the legacy of veteran warriors like Kalu Pande, Bhimsen Thapa and Jung Bahadur Rana, soldiers have always taken pride in the leadership and vision of their commander-in-chief. Gen. Thapa has assumed the leadership of the prestigious institution in one of the most crucial junctures in the nation's history.

For almost a year, the RNA has been fighting in harsh geographical terrain and severe battlefield conditions to provide a sense of security to the Nepalese people. Moreover, at a time when soldiers are risking their lives and limb in the defence of multiparty democracy, they are being subjected to calumny from political quarters.

Despite such difficulties, the RNA remains committed to serving the country, king and people under the leadership of Gen. Thapa, who has spent 38 years of active service in the force. Smiling and gentle, Gen. Thapa was educated at St. Xavier High School, from where he passed Senior Cambridge in first division in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor's of Art degree from Tribhuvan University.

Born on September 15, 1946, Gen. Thapa has seen many ups and downs, including the Khampa rebellion and various insurgencies launched over the decades. Having entered the RNA in 1964, General Thapa completed basic military training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy (RMA) Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1966. Following graduation from the RMA, he was appointed at the Singh Nath Battalion as a second lieutenant.

Gen. Thapa attended the platoon commander course and weapon training course at the School of Infantry, Warminster, United Kingdom in 1967. A qualified paratrooper, he also participated in different training in the United States and India. Gen. Thapa graduated from the US Army War College in 1996. He attended the interviewing officers and senior command courses in India in 1985 and 1987.

Gen. Thapa led different sections in the army, overseeing development work and nature conservation efforts. He was appointed battalion commander in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in 1986 where he had an opportunity to exercise his military and diplomatic skills to reduce hostilities and tensions between different warring factions within his area of responsibility. In 1992,Gen. Thapa served in the United Nations Protection Forces in the former Yugoslavia as deputy sector commander of the vital Sector West at the initial and crucial phase of the mission.

Promoted to major-general and appointed as assistant chief of staff in 1998, Thapa conducted the multinational platoon training exercise in Nepal in which troops from the United States, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka participated along with their Nepalese counterparts. Gen. Thapa was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in 2001. He was responsible for military operations and directed the Integrated Security and Development Program introduced in seven districts most affected by the Maoist insurgency.

Gen. Thapa has been actively involved in the planning and execution of the ongoing military campaign against the Maoist terrorists and extensively visited various sites to acquire knowledge about the operational situation.

Gen. Thapa, who led military delegations to India and China, also is an avid sportsman. His vast experience and deep sense of professionalism have come as a source of inspiration for a force widely respected for its dedication and discipline.