For a long time the Nepal Army has been faithful to an individual or organisation, but recent news from the barracks sends a different signal—that the army is on its way to becoming loktantrik and inclusive. The army is apparently also trying to change the feudal mentality prevalent amongst its officers. Recently, the army has scrapped its orderly system and is now preparing to recall over 166 orderlies working in the homes of army officers. Until now, Nepal Army was the only army in the world supporting the orderly system. In Nepal these orderlies used to work in army officers’ houses, where they were made to carry out hard physical labour.

Similarly, to smooth out differences between army personnel and officers, they will both eat in the same kitchen. It is understood that these new rules came about after the appointment of COAS Rukmangat Katuwal. In addition, the Army Officers’ Wives Association will be renamed Army Wives Association via an amendment of the Army Act. The army is regularly lectured on the values of loktantra. Meanwhile, the Nepal Army is worried about the Maoists’ abduction of its personnel who went home for Dasain and Tihar.

An army source said that Maoist atrocities are increasing, “The army is committed to the peace process and is careful that no obstacles be created due to them during the peace process, but the Maoists understand our tolerance and generosity as our weakness. We have not been able to provide security to our soldiers and if the Maoists are to continue with their atrocities, we are also not going to keep quiet.”