Nepali Army for Nation’s Development

Armed forces are the strong pillars and the power of the nation. They are not only a vital part of national security but if employed properly and effectively, they can also play significant role for overall development of the nation

http://www.nepalnews.com.np/archive/2007/others/guestcolumn/apr/guest_columns_13.php
April 28, 2007

By Pankaj Pandey

Security is an important part of people’s well-being and is, therefore, an objective of development. Lack of security has adverse consequences on economic growth and poverty and, thereby, development. This lack of development or imbalanced development results in sharp horizontal inequalities, being a cause of instability. Hence for both developing and underdeveloped countries, it is essential to promote inclusive development to prevent instability. Policies towards security may become one part of development policy because in so far they enhance security, they will contribute to development; and policies towards development may become part of security policies because enhanced development increases security.

People may have the potential to do many things, yet this potential may be cut off or people’s sense of well-being may be seriously affected due to high levels of insecurity. Such insecurity includes the possibility of economic instability, health crises, and injury or death as a result of criminal violence. Violence may lead to the break-up of communities and families, forced migration and the need to re-establish lives in strange and alien environments, or even a suspended existence in refugee camps. There is no question that if such events are widespread, they have a serious negative impact on many people’s lives, and therefore adversely affect the achievement of development.

Development encompasses human rights, good governance, access to education and health care, and ensuring that each individual has opportunities and choices to fulfill his or her own potential, freedom from fear and the freedom of the future generations to inherit a healthy natural environment. These are the interrelated building blocks of human and, therefore, crucial for national security. Thus security is an important dimension of development.

Many critics have considered the armed forces wasteful and nonproductive institutions. Defense expenditures are viewed as a negative factor in under developed countries. However, given the social, political, and economic conditions in those countries, the armed forces play an important role in modernization, social change and on overall development.

Mahatma Gandhi expressed his view on the role of armed forces saying, "The military virtues of loyalty, unity, discipline and efficiency should be exploited during peace time, and the entire military establishment should be employed for the constructive economic and social programs." Nepali armed forces are considered scientifically well-developed organisations emphasizing the virtues of hard work, co-operation, discipline, honesty and integrity.

Besides its primary role of nation’s defense and internal security, the Nepali Army (NA) has been making worthwhile contribution in the fields of various types of construction, nature and wildlife conservation, relief works against natural calamities, havocs, disasters management etc. Armed forces have traditionally inherited these qualities and can be regarded as suitable organisations for fulfilling such tasks. By participating in such activities, Nepali armed forces have been playing an important role in society.

Nature Conservation and Wildlife Protection

Conservation activities are directly related with the development phenomenon. Conservation of natural flora and fauna related with ecological balance prevents soil erosions and natural disasters. Considering this fact, NA has been continuously involved in the conservation of National Parks and endangered species and other animals since 1975.

There are 22 protected areas covering some 26,921 sq. km in Nepal today. Among them, NA protects 11 most critical areas covering 9,767 sq. km. like the Suklaphant wildlife reserve, Bardia National Park , Lamtang National Park , Shivapuri National Park , Chitawan National Park , Sagarmatha National Park , Kosi Tappu wildlife reserve, Parsa wildlife reserve, Rara National Park , Shey-Phoksundo National Park and Khaptad National Park .

Road Construction

Concerned for the well being of the nation and the people, NA has gladly responded to Nepal 's quest for development. NA has been utilising its trained manpower and resources in support of the nation’s progress for many decades proving efficient, cost effective and dedicated machineries for development. The NA has been instrumental in opening up remote areas located in rugged mountainous terrain with a large number of road and bridging projects. The dedication of NA personnel and its institutional drive and integrity have made it possible for national planners to aim for more road projects at minimum costs.

Currently, the NA is involved in 12 road projects namely Katari-Okhaldunga (88 km), Salyan-Musikot (86 km), Surkhet-Jumla (232 km), Baglung-Beni-Jomsom (60 km), Besisahar-Chame (65 km), Chinchu-Jajarkot (107km), Musikot-Burtibang (145 km), Devsthal-Kinkanda-Chaurjahari (31km), Drabyashah Marg(45 km), Satdobato-Nibel-Baluwa (37 km), Gorkha-Manakamana (39 km) and Gorkha-Arughat-Arkhet (45 km). Besides these major road constructions, the Nepali armed forces are constantly engaged in track repair and bridge construction throughout the country.

Disaster Relief

Disasters are major incidents which cause serious disruptions to life, arising with little or no warning, causing deaths or serious injuries and rendering people homeless. In such crises, public services operating under normal procedures demand special mobilisation and prompt action. To respond effectively and quickly to such incidents, professionalism and organised effort of the armed forces are very effective. Consequently, the NA plays a major role in providing emergency assistance to the needy people all over the country.

Each disaster creates its own unique circumstances. NA has acted promptly during floods, earthquakes, avalanches, fires, landslides, air and other transportation disasters with its expert and professional manpower depending upon the situation and the magnitude of the disaster. NA plays a vital role in disaster relief operation like search and rescue, medical assistance and evacuation including Air Rescue and also provides for support of victims by mobilising all its resources.

Some of the incidents where the NA has saved many lives are the devastating earthquake of 1933, the damaging earthquake in east Nepal in 1988, rescue of passengers from the plane crashes of Pakistan International Airlines and Thai Airways and recently the rescue of flood victims at Banke and Bardia in August 2006.

Peace Keeping Operations

Nepali armed forces have been actively participating in various peace-keeping, observer and other miscellaneous UN missions in the international field since 1958 with the deployment of five military observers in Lebanon . This representation of Nepal in the international arena is definitely projecting a positive image. Consequently, it has brought forth better reimbursement for the nation and economic build-up for every army personnel .It is also a key player as a tourism messenger.

The first Nepalese contingent, Purano Gorakh battalion was deployed in Egypt in 1974. NA's participation in the UN peacekeeping operations spans a period of 48 years covering 29 UN Missions, in which over 56,298 Nepali soldiers have served in support of UN peacekeeping endeavors. The NA has contributed outstanding Force Commanders, elite military contingents, impartial military observers and dedicated staff officers. Their devotion to duty and excellent performance have been widely acclaimed. Nepali troops have taken part in some of the most difficult operations, and have suffered casualties in the service of the UN. Till date, 51 NA personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while 54 have been disabled.

Its most significant contribution has been for peace and stability in Africa . It has demonstrated its unique capacity of sustaining large troop commitments over prolonged periods. At present, Nepal is ranked as the fourth largest troop contributing country in the UN.

Air Support

The Nepali armed forces operate its own air transport system which consists of aircrafts and helicopters. These aircrafts are being devoted to various rescue services for disaster victims, ferrying of development materials to remote areas in order to expedite the completion of rural projects and food delivery to remote areas and to sustain the administrative infrastructure of the government. So far, the air wing of the armed forces has saved hundreds of lives and drops thousands of tons of development materials and food in the remote areas.

Conclusion

Armed forces are the strong pillars and the power of the nation. They are not only a vital part of national security but if employed properly and effectively, they can also play significant role for overall development of the nation. Professional, effective and mechanized armed forces are the need of the today's modern world. Throughout its history, Nepali armed forces have worked towards the protection and preservation of sovereignty, national unity and national integrity - so it must be a matter of pride for every Nepali citizen.