Nepal army needs to change their role: PM

Kathmandu, Feb 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said the Nepal Army needs to change its role in the changed context of the country.

''It is now time for the army to change their roles, duties, conduct and practices according to the changed context,'' Mr Koirala said in a message on the occasion of Nepal Army day today.

It was a positive initiative of the Nepal Army to commit to serve the nation and its people with the concept of people's supremacy, protection of democracy, respect for human rights and partnership with the citizens, Mr Prime Minister said.

He expressed confidence that the Nepal Army would make contribution for the protection of democratic values by respecting people's aspiration in the days ahead.

The Nepal army was accused of being with the king to impose his dictatorial rule in the past.

Nepal's parliament disconnected the link of the Nepal army (formerly Royal Army) with the King and stripped off all power of the king following the success of popular movement.

The new constitution promulgated last month has not given any role to the king and the prime minister is discharging the role of head of state.

Mr Koirala also expressed heartfelt tributes to those army personnel who lost their lives and attained martyrdom in the course for fighting for the nation and its integrity during different periods.

In his message, Chief of the Army Staff Rukmangad Katwal said that the Nepal Army's main objective would be to maintain smooth relations with the people in the days ahead and gain people's faith and confidence.

''It was the need of the time to bring change in the concept and structure of the institution by utilizing its limited resources to face the future challenges,'' the army chief said.

He said the challenge now for the Nepal Army is to develop it into a disciplined, professional and motivated force that can fulfill multi-dimensional roles.

''For this, there is need for creative civil army under the national security concept, protect and to promote democratic system and to include all sections of the society, including dalits, ethnic communities and the Madhesis into the force,'' he added. He said that Nepal Army was a common platform of all Nepalese.

UNI