PM happy about army democratization

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who also holds the defense portfolio, has said it is the need of the hour for the Nepali Army to change its duty, responsibility and behavior in accordance with the democratic governance system. He has expressed satisfaction over the "positive initiatives" taken by the army to democratize the institution.
While extending his "heart-felt" greetings to incumbent and ex-members of Nepali Army (NA) personnel and their families, the Prime Minister in his message on the eve of Army Day that falls on Friday, has also expressed satisfaction with the "important steps" initiated to democratize the institution. "It is a matter of satisfaction to have positive initiatives begun [in the army] for preservation of democracy, respect for human rights and for co-working with civilian administration in this process [of democratization]," the Prime Minister said in his written message circulated to media on Thursday.
The Prime Minister has also expressed confidence that NA would extend its important contribution to respecting people's aspirations and to protecting democratic norms and values, and life styles in the days to come.
"…All Nepali people, including the NA, need now to commit to protect sovereignty and national reconciliation on the occasion of Army Day," the Prime Minister said.
Likewise, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rookmangud Katawal, in his greetings to members of the NA on the occasion, has stressed the need for conceptual and organizational changes in the army.
While committing to democratic norms and values, Katawal has reiterated NA's commitment to national and international humanitarian laws, rule of law and to its apolitical image.
In a written message dispatched to media on the eve of Army Day, the army chief has also underlined the need to make the institution more inclusive, transparent and to increase NA's proximity to the people.