There is no need to buy arms: CoAS Sharma

KATHMANDU: Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma has stated that the Nepali Army does not need to purchase weapons for peacekeeping missions.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event organized to commemorate the United Nations International Peacekeepers Day on Wednesday, Sharma emphasized that there is adequate stock of arms and ammunition. “While it is natural to acquire vehicle parts at reasonable prices from relevant countries or nearby markets for UN missions, there is no necessity to procure weapons,” he added.

Sharma clarified that Nepal has not purchased arms from China since the 1980s. “Any potential arms procurement must follow government approval and adhere to established laws, policies, and regulations,” he added.

Responding to media reports, Sharma stated that no letter of credit (LC) has been opened for the purchase of arms from any country.

Regarding vehicle acquisitions, Sharma explained that the army procures vehicles based on the specific mission country. He cautioned against the dissemination of news that deviates from the truth and serves individual interests.

Sharma also appealed to the media to refrain from spreading rumors by falsely associating the names of ministers and former government officials with nonexistent arms deals.