On the eve of Phulpati feu de joie, the Nepali Army has released a patriotic video that exemplifies its unwavering commitment to safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The video released through the twitter account of the Nepali Army clearly highlights Nepal’s new map that encompasses Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura.

Yo Desh Mero Ho
‘यो देश मेरो हो’#NepaliArmy pic.twitter.com/bdkoBRKsG1

— Nepali Army (@thenepalesearmy) October 22, 2020

This video is highly significant due to several reasons. First, the timing of the video is noteworthy. It was released on the eve of auspicious occasion of Phulpati but it comes a day before the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s Dashain digital greeting card controversy. On the day of Phulpati, PM Oli had conveyed greetings to all Nepalese on the occasion of Nepal’s largest religious festival Bada Dashain. Strangely in that digital card, the old national emblem that excluded the aforementioned territories was used. The video also comes a day after PM Oli accorded a red carpet welcome to RAW Chief Samant Goel at Baluwatar.

It appears that Goel had arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of PM Oli during a time when PM’s ruling NCP party is beset by massive internal feuds. Many speculate that the party is on the brink of a split. Oli reportedly met Goel one-on-one from 9 pm until midnight. PM Oli has been heavily criticized for ignoring decorum of his portfolio and degrading national dignity by meeting with the RAW Chief overtly and without any government note-takers. For inviting the RAW Chief, he has been accused of taking Nepal-India bilateral relations away from the political, diplomatic and military domains and dumping it in the hands of Indian spooks.

The fact that the words of the video were composed by one of the most powerful Generals in the Nepali Army is also highly significant. Major General Prem Shahi, who heads the most powerful Directorate General of Military Operations, composed the words. Major General Shahi was previously the Military Adviser to Chief of Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa. The timing of the Army’s video can be interpreted as an indication that any compromise by anyone on Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity will be intolerable to every patriotic Nepali and the Nepali Army.