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The Nepali Army (NA) or “Nepali Sena” is the army of Nepal and a major component of the military of Nepal. The NA includes the Nepalese Army Air Service and the Nepalese Police Force. Service is voluntary and the minimum age for enrollment is 18 years.
Its primary role is to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Nepal. Secondary role is to provide assistance to the Civilian Government of Nepal in the maintenance of Internal Security. Other duties include humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, assisting in national development, nature conservation efforts and participation in international peacekeeping mission.
Prior to 2006 the Nepali Army was known as the “Royal Nepalese Army (RNA)” and was under the command of the King of Nepal. Yet following the “Loktantra Andolan II” (People's Movement for Democracy 2nd) on the 18th of May 2006 a bill was passed by the (unelected) Nepalese parliament curtailing royal power, this included renaming the army.Some of the senior units of Nepal Army follow: The Senior most unit is the Sri Nath Battalion, raised in 1763.The Purano Gorakha Battalion was also raised in 1763 as the First Gurkha Company and, like the Sri Nath, has an impressive record of Service, first against the British and later alongside them. The Kali Bahadur Battalion was raised in 1831, and was the first Nepalese unit to fight ‘Overseas’ in Burma in the second World War. Other units from Nepal include the Sher, the Mahindra Dal, the Shamsher Dal, the First Rifles, the Devi Dutt and the Gorakh Bahadur.
Currently the head of the Nepal Army (Chief of Army Staff) is General Rookmangud Katawal.
This khukuri has always been an important component and aspect of the Nepal Army. It is issued to new recruits on enlistment and they retain it throughout their army career. It is a part of their armor, a prized possession, self-esteem and is well looked after until they retire. This knife is used on both occasions, for parade (the kukri drill) and when on duty. Senior officers regularly inspect this khukuri in order to maintain the smartness and tidiness of each soldier. Nepal Army kukri is slightly smaller than the standard size kukri (issue) of the British Gurkhas. The smaller and lighter feature of the kukri knife makes it easier to carry around and handling more swiftly. It is the simplest of all kukris having basic fixtures.
Besides its military use Nepal Army is also a perfect working kukri that can be used for domestic purpose or jungle warfare. It also makes an ideal gift to buy or take away from Nepal as something very authentic from Nepal. |