CoAS Sharma retires; Lt. Gen. Sigdel takes over command

Kathmandu, August 9: Lieutenant General Ashok Raj Sigdel has officially assumed command of the Nepal Army with effect from Friday. Following the Council of Ministers' decision, he was granted authority by President Ramchandra Paudel to take over as an Acting Chief of Army Staff beginning August 9.

Sigdel's appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) was formalized during a ceremony at military headquarters, where he received the position from outgoing Chief of Army Staff  Prabhu Ram Sharma on Thursday. Sharma expressed his satisfaction in passing on the role to Sigdel, noting his comprehensive understanding of all levels of the Nepal Army, his deep grasp of policy rules and methods, and his exemplary professional capabilities.

Sharma also congratulated Sigdel on his appointment and praised his successful tenure. After serving the Nepal Army for approximately 41 years, Sharma is set to retire from the army after a month. Sharma began his customary leave on Friday.