SATV Kathmandu Sept 14: The Nepali Army has stated it will neither interfere in politics nor exert pressure. After the formation of the interim government following the Gen-Z movement, senior army officials met on Saturday afternoon and made this decision. During the meeting, Chief of Army Staff Ashokraj Sigdel assured full support to the interim government and said the army would not be involved in appointing ministers or political meddling.
The meeting of officers above the rank of Major General was held soon after Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister. Army sources said the discussion focused on upcoming strategies. Sigdel was quoted as saying, “We must fully cooperate with the interim government and allow it to work. We will give suggestions only when asked, not on our own initiative.”
Sigdel clarified that there would be no pressure or interference from the army in cabinet expansion either. He firmly instructed all officers, “No one should recommend names for ministerial appointments. The Prime Minister will decide who becomes a minister.” He added that the army was clear about the situation and that no one should forget their duty.
After the Gen-Z movement intensified, then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. Until a new government was formed, the Nepal Army coordinated with the protesting side and President Ramchandra Paudel. This coordination led to speculation that the army was trying to interfere politically, but the Army Chief has now made it clear to his senior officers that there will be no such interference.
Many had feared possible military involvement in politics after Nepal’s politics entered a new phase following the Gen-Z movement. The army had called protesters to the Army Headquarters to coordinate efforts for government formation since the country was at a turning point between the self-centered approach of old leaders and the aspirations of the new generation.
Historically, the Nepal Army has accepted all political changes without triggering any conflict. After the 2006–07 movement, it supported political parties. Following the promulgation of the Constitution, the army has fulfilled its duties as instructed by the government within the constitutional framework.
Sigdel told the Saturday’s meeting that the army will continue to prioritize institutional interests, reform its systems and processes as needed, and remain reliable and disciplined. He said the army must remain politically neutral, uphold national unity, and work as a foundation of national trust.
He also said fulfilling national responsibilities, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring territorial integrity are paramount duties, which cannot be achieved by the army alone and require cooperation. Based on past lessons and national directives, the army is always prepared to address potential security risks and has been instructed accordingly.
