Who Is Ashok Raj Sigdel? The Nepal Army Chief General Who Addressed Nation After Oli’s Resignation

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 13:07 IST

Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel said: “We need to normalise present difficult situation and protect our historical & national heritage and public as well as private property..."

Ashok Raj Sigdel was conferred with the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu in December 2024. (X)

Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel on Tuesday appealed to the protesters to come forward for dialogue in the face of violent protests that continued for a second day even after prime minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation.

In a televised address to the nation, General Sigdel said, “We appeal to the protesting group to halt protest programmes and come forward for dialogue for a peaceful way out for the nation."

“We need to normalise the present difficult situation and protect our historical and national heritage and public as well as private property, and to ensure safety to the general public and diplomatic missions," the chief of army staff said.

A statement released by the Army’s Public Relations Directorate said, “The Nepal army, always committed to the safety and security of Nepal and its people, is fully dedicated to protecting lives and property in the current situation."

There are reports that Oli was told to step down by Sigdel.

Who is Ashok Raj Sigdel?

Ashok Raj Sigdel is the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepal Army, officially assuming the position on September 9, 2024. Sigdel was born on February 1, 1967, in Rupandehi district, Lumbini Province. He was born into a middle-class family and is one of five siblings, including three sisters.

Sigdel joined the armed forces in 1986. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri and from China’s Defense University. Further training includes the Higher and Management Course at the Army War College and a Defense Management Course in India. He also earned a master’s in strategic studies from China’s Defense University and an MA from Tribhuvan University.

Ashok Raj Sigdel: His career

He has served in UN peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia. He has held roles such as Chief of General Staff, Acting Chief of Staff, Director General of Department of Staff Duties (Policies & Plans), Master General of Ordnance, Inspector General, and Director of Military Operations.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, he served as the Secretary of Nepal’s COVID Crisis Management Centre (CCMC).

Sigdel has received several recognitions, including the Sainik Dirgha Sewa Patta, Suprabal Janasewa Shree, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal twice.

On December 12, 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred upon him the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan—a longstanding tradition symbolizing the strong military ties between Nepal and India.

With PTI, Agency Inputs

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