Ex-soldiers to Oli and Prachanda: Don’t underestimate the army

KATHMANDU: Former army personnel have urged political leaders not to defame the Nepal Army.

At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Saturday, retired army officials including former Captain Thaman Bahadur Basnet, former Major General Rajendra Thapa, former Brigadier General Bharat Bahadur Rayamajhi, former Brigadier General Dr. Prem Singh Basnyat, and retired Captain Basudev Adhikari said that the country has moved toward a peaceful resolution largely because the army refrained from using force during the Gen-Z movement.

Former Brigadier General Dr. Prem Singh Basnyat said the Nepal Army acted in the national interest during the Gen-Z protests, yet it has been unfairly criticized for its conduct. He advised KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to review the National Security Council’s provisions and the Military Act before speaking against the army, adding that they should not treat the institution as foolish.

Retired Captain Basudev Adhikari said the army had prevented large-scale casualties during the Gen-Z protests and appealed to all not to speak or write in ways that could harm the nation.