Event Report

NIICE organised talk on “Conception and Misconceptions about National Security in Nepal” by Maj. Gen (Retd). Dr Purna Silwal. Dr. Silwal stated that there are numerous misconceptions regarding national security in Nepal. There exists the concept that national security keeps changing as the regime changes. Nepalese Army is the only institution responsible for national security is a primary misconception. It is often believed that the Nepalese Army is responsible for border security. But it is the paramilitary forces that man the borders. Another narrative is related to the size of the Nepalese Army, as people cite it as too big or too small. National security is the sole responsibility of security agencies is another misconception. National security and internal security are synonymous is another trending misconception. National security involves internal security, but not vice versa. There exists a National Security Council (NSC) to look after national security affairs and a Central Security Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to look after internal security. Another misconception is that individual or community interests are above the national interest. As per the Constitution, it is the Nepalese Army that is responsible for national unity. But national unity is such a broad concept that it requires a whole-of-the-nation approach and not just a single institution. Another misconception is that national policy and foreign policy are different. However, there exist interconnected elements. Nepal’s foreign policy never mentions ‘military diplomacy.’ However, the military is widely engaged in resolving issues with other countries.

Nepal’s Constitution put forth a comprehensive concept of national security, which involves military, political, economic, societal and environmental components. According to Article 266, the National Security Council is responsible for the formulation of policy on overall national interest. Focus should be placed on upgradation of the intel mechanisms. “Self-reliance on military hardware is crucial in order to conduct military campaigns of higher quality. Nepal should be reminded of its past and its reliance on its systems that helped in its fight against the British,” he said. External interference in domestic affairs affects national security negatively. Instability hinders a country’s economic development and disables its prospects of becoming a strong power.  Nepal’s protection of its interests such as free access to nearby international waters, as per the international conventions, is very important for national security. Curbs on importing explosives, raw materials for explosives, exporting hydropower from certain hydropower countries, act as threats to national security. Nepal suffers from a huge trade imbalance. Stress should be laid on diversifying its trade and avoiding overdependence on a particular country. Dr. Silwal wasn’t supportive of the Army engaging in construction activities in the country. Preservation of culture and traditions is required for a nation to thrive in the long run. The large number of foreigners coming into Nepal also becomes a threat in the long run, he said. Armed rebellion, when intensified into military aggression, catches foreign attention and intervention, becoming a national security issue.

Dr. Silwal continued that three elements are essential for a strong national security. These include leadership, people and the military. The leadership should be determined, need to have a long-term vision and have to lead by example. This will help in mobilising the people. Military requires coordination among all the security agencies. These three components working in harmony help in building strong national security. Thus, national security requires the support of the entire nation. Political instability is a protracted issue in Nepal. There exists huge instability at the ministerial level. An unstable country cannot economically develop.

When questioned about the concept of ‘reserve force’ and whether a powerful military becomes a threat to the country, Dr. Silwal replied that military heavy-handedness occurs only at times of an internal security situation involving a fight between different communities. The Constitution mandates the National Security and National Unity Policy by which Nepal can give military training to the youths but it hasn’t yet come into force.

For China and India, when it comes to Nepal, security becomes important. Nepal emphasises from time to time that its territory won’t be used for anti-China and anti-Indian activities and such activities will be immediately curbed by the Nepali forces. The open borders also raise security concerns. For about 7 years, China didn’t have open borders with Nepal. India’s Tibetan Policy also makes China think that Nepal is a very sensitive issue when dealing with India. Dr. Silwal stressed upon the need for strengthening the border security to boost confidence among its large neighbours that Nepal isn’t a threat factor. Dr. Silwal emphasised that Nepal should come out with options to strengthen its national security and encouraged public-private participation in the military industry. He also stressed on the importance of Nepal to be more vocal about its national interests.