Coordination, common understanding necessary for national security: Minister Upreti

Kathmandu, May 7: Minister for Defense Hari Prasad Upreti has said the Ministry of Defense is working as the body with a special responsibility to protect the identity and existence of the country.     

In today's meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concern Committee, Minister Upreti mentioned that the ministry has been working with the direct concern on the important and sensitive issues like independence, sovereignty, integrity and national unity.     

Discussion was held on various issues including national security policy, situation of national security, activities carried out by the Defense Ministry, future course of action, progress of national pride projects and measures to resolve problems in the meeting.     

He explained, "The Nepali Army has been fulfilling all responsibilities from national security to disaster management given by the state."     

Sharing that it was necessary that all the ministries and bodies should work making the national security policy 2075 as the main policy, the Defense Ministry laid emphasis that all political parties should stand together for security and welfare of the nation.     

There should be coordination, common understanding and concept among bodies of the state for national security, he underscored, expressing the view that country's national security situation is now seem somehow weak.     

On the occasion, Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma said that the incidences of conflict and battles ongoing in the international arena are escalating the polarization among the world powers.     

"Because of the direct or indirect conflict between the powerful countries, the security concerns of the geographically and economically backward countries are increasing due to the changing situation and competition."     

Stating that Nepalese people are directly affected due to the conflict between the world powers, he said that the powerful nations are neglecting the sovereignty of small ones. "The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas has made the world complex and uncertain, and Rohingya refugees in Nepal are likely to cause social, economic and religious problems," he added.     

On the occasion, Chief of Army Staff Sharma, while analyzing the international, regional and national security situation and challenges, mentioned that such incidents have some effect on the regional power balance and stability.     

Stating that there are security challenges created by sensitive geo-politics, open borders, climate change, labor migration, cyber threat, Artificial Intelligence, Chief of Army Staff Sharma opined that the events and activities conducted on the basis of ethnic identity are being analyzed by political parties.     

Stating that the Army will always be alert to this as national politics is always fluid, he said he is determined that no religious activity should disrupt social unity.     

Defence Ministry Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma said that national security is not only geographical integrity, but also includes political, economic, social, environmental impact, recognition of national values, traditions, and culture.     

On that occasion, the committee was informed about the progress and challenges of the Kathmandu, Terai-Madhesh Expressway (Fast Track) so far.     

The head of the project, Brigadier General Bikas Pokharel, informed that the physical progress of the project so far is 33.20 percent and the financial progress is 33.71 percent. (RSS)