KATHMANDU: Gen Z leader Rabi Kiran Hamal has said that any form of attack or deliberate attempt to undermine the Nepali Army is unacceptable.
Speaking at a gathering of retired military and security personnel held at Karki Banquet in Babarmahal, Hamal described the Nepali Army as a proud national institution that has played a historic role in the unification of Nepal and continues to serve as a critical line of defense for the country during times of crisis.
Hamal described the Nepali Army as “the country’s last lifeline in times of crisis,” emphasizing that its institutional dignity and contribution to the nation should not be undermined for political interests.
Referring to the recent Gen Z movement, Hamal said the Nepali Army played an important role in restoring peace and security at a time when the country was facing uncertainty and unrest.
“When there was fear, uncertainty and unease across the country, the Nepali Army stepped in to restore peace and helped the people regain a sense of security,” he said.
According to Hamal, although the Gen Z movement was driven by demands for good governance, accountability and institutional reform, those demands should not be used as a pretext to insult or weaken national institutions.
“We can question individuals and demand institutional reforms, but deliberately weakening or defaming institutions that have served the nation is unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said.
The retired military officers and security personnel attending the event also expressed concern over what they described as disrespectful conduct toward the Nepali Army and senior officials of various security agencies during public and parliamentary proceedings.
They emphasized the need for all political actors, students, the media and citizens to remain sensitive to issues concerning national security, national unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and social harmony.
The gathering also discussed the historical contribution of the Nepali Army and the country’s contemporary security challenges.
Participants stressed that peace and security are fundamental prerequisites for development and prosperity and called for greater institutional unity and coordination among all security agencies.
More than 300 people attended the gathering, including retired generals and senior military officers, retired personnel from the Armed Police Force, former Indian and British Gurkha soldiers, academics, civil society representatives and Gen Z activists.
The program was conducted and coordinated by retired Lieutenant General Baburam Shrestha.
The press conference was moderated by retired Warrant Officer Mohan Thapa.
Various retired military officers and representatives from civilian sectors also shared their views on national security, institutional dignity and the country’s current political situation.
