National 6 (Spotlight Weekly)

Keeping the Peace

UN hails the role of the Royal Nepalese Army’s peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world

By A CORRESPONDENT

When some Nepalese intellectuals, media and politicians are trying to tarnish the image of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), foreigners have come to express gratification for the job carried out by the RNA.

Despite their constant efforts to curb the Maoists in the country and their stretched capacity, the Royal Nepalese Army continues to contribute its disciplined and capable soldiers to restore peace in other conflict-ridden parts of the world. Although some Nepalese, knowingly or unknowingly, have joined the bandwagon to discredit the country’s oldest and the most stable institution, many foreigners have come forward to admire their role.

Nepalese peace-keeping force : Earing international credibility

The RNA has a long history of associating in the international peacekeeping operations and its soldiers have proved as being the right personnel to maintain the neutrality in standing between the warring factions.

“The UN in operational terms is the collective efforts of people of member states. For example, three days ago, the first group of a total contingent of thirteen hundred officers – and four women of the Royal Nepalese Army left for the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an area wreaked by a cruel civil war for several years now,” said UN resident coordinator Mathew Kahane, addressing the program held to mark the UN Day (October 4) in Kathmandu.

“The contingent joins in a proud tradition of Nepalese servicemen joining the efforts of the international community, under UN auspices, to bring or maintain peace and security in various parts of the world. In every case, the men and women of the peace-keeping forces work within very precise and carefully-defined rules of engagement, earning the respect of the parties, and monitoring and ensuring the observance of the fundamental human rights of people caught up in areas of conflict and tension, often not of their own making,” said Kahane.

Despite having to battle the continual internal conflict in their domestic front, other south Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are also sending their troops in UN peacekeeping operation. Indian soldiers have been fighting bloody war in Jammu and Kashmir with the deployment of more than half a million of its soldiers there. Interestingly, India continues to contribute to the UN peacekeeping operation and hardly anyone there makes any controversy regarding the sending of troops to the UN peacekeeping operation.

“The RNA has proven expertise in international peacekeeping operation. In many cases, forces have to demonstrate their professionalism, patience, and self-discipline in difficult and tense situations. I have been struck by the fact that almost all senior officers of the Nepalese armed forces whom I have met have served in the UN peacekeeping forces – and look back at that service with pride. They have contributed to, and been witnesses of, the capacity of the United Nations to support states trying to resolve cross-border or civil conflict – without interfering in the internal affairs of those member states,” said Kahane.

Although prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa also addressed the 58th anniversary of the United Nations, he just focused his statement highlighting the importance of safe motherhood. Prime minister Thapa also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the purpose and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

From Israel to Afghanistan and from Iraq to Lebanon, the RNA has proven as a best peacekeeper in the world. Due to their effective role, Nepalese Police also have joined the UN operation in different parts to the world to train the police and maintain law and order.

Throughout the history, Nepalese have contributed to maintain the world peace whether through joining the RNA or through joining Gurkha regiments in India and Britain. Since Nepalese soldiers always maintain their neutrality, they were deployed as a neutral force amid tension between two sects during the British rule in India. Gurkha regiment in India is still used for this purpose.