Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Purna Chandra Thapa has acknowledged that corruption has flourished in Nepal Army.

Speaking at a Dashain, Tihar and Chhath greetings exchange programmeorganised at the Nepal Army headquarters in Bhadrakali on Thursday, CoASThapa expected support from all quarters to curb the corruption as it wouldn’t be possible through lone effort.

“We need help from the media and Civil Society, among other stakeholders. I won’t say that there is no corruption,” he said, adding, “Corruption can’t be controlled in a day, we need a long effort to curb corruption. I am ready for that.”

Saying that he would leave no stone unturned to minimise anomalies and perversions in the Nepal Army, CoASThapa said that he has already initiated the work. He vowed to control the growing nepotism in Nepal Army. “Nepal Army will not work under anyone’s pressure and influence,” he said. 

“Army will accept the rights provided by the constitution,” Thapa said. “Army is ready to control anti-national activities. Army will take the responsibility,” he added.

Saying that Army will abide by the directives of the government, he said that Nepal Army is ready to control unlawful activities at the national border.

“We have been scrutinizing the anti-national elements,” he said, adding, “Nepal Army is ready to protect nation anytime.” He, however, did not elaborate on such elements.

Thapainformed that the dysfunctional military court will be made active.

In response to a query on Nepal Army’sinvolvement in business related activities, CoASThapa claimed that Nepal Army has done welfare works rather than business-related activities.

“Army of foreign countries is also involved in welfare activities,” he said. “We have constructed army hospital and military university, among other infrastructures. This is welfare work and not business.” He claimed that the army should be involved in welfare activities.