KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army (NA) has nominated Ashokraj Sigdel for the vacant Lieutenant General post following a decision made during the army’s promotion committee meeting held at the military headquarters in Kathmandu.
Earlier, the promotion committee formed under Lieutenant General Sitaram Khadka concluded to elevate Sigdel to the rank of Major General. Initially, Taradhwaj Pandey had been recommended for promotion following the vacancy left by Saroj Pratap Rana. However, Pandey’s resignation, owing to an age dispute, paved the way for Sigdel’s advancement.
Reports suggest that the military headquarters initiated an extensive review of Sigdel’s personal background before commencing the promotion process.
The position of Lieutenant General in the army has remained vacant since October 28. Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma’s leadership ushered in this vacancy for the first time. The process has sparked questions regarding Sharma’s leadership, both within and outside the army.
Sharma had advocated for Pandey’s promotion, but with government agency responses, the Chief of Army Staff asserts that the process is being duly followed.
Amid controversies surrounding the promotion of the potential future Chief of Army Staff at the Major General level, the army scrutinized Sigdel’s candidacy before proceeding. The army board, convening on Friday, issued a seven-day notice, recommending Sigdel’s nomination.
The impending retirement of current Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma on September 9 heightens the significance of the next promotion, as the newly appointed Lieutenant General will assume Sharma’s position.
Additionally, concerns have been raised against Brigadier General Santoshballav Paudel, in line for promotion, alleging he joined the army before turning 18 years old.
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