Who is Nepal army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel in spotlight amid protests?

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has quit. Oli resigned from his post after the ‘Gen Z’ protests continued for the second straight day in Nepal. On Monday, at least 19 people were killed and hundreds injured after security forces opened fire on protesters.

Oli had come under pressure after two ministers resigned from his Cabinet, and there were growing calls for him to quit by members of his coalition government as well as the Opposition. There are reports that Oli was told to step down by the Nepal army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel. Oli will likely fly to Dubai on a private jet.

Follow all live updates on Nepal's Gen Z protests here.

Sigdel is said to have told Oli that he needed to resign in order for the army to regain control of the situation. There are reports that Sigdel is going to take charge of the country. Addressing Nepal on Tuesday, Sigdel asked citizens to stay calm. The army also expressed regret over the damage to public property during the demonstrations.

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The army highlighted the need to protect public assets, including historical, cultural, and national heritage, saying this is a shared responsibility. It also called on citizens to act with restraint and preserve social harmony and national unity amid the ongoing unrest.

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.”

But what do we know about Sigdel, the 45th army chief of Nepal?

Early years

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.

His father, Bishwaraj Sigdel, had moved from his ancestral home in Tanahun in central Nepal to Taulihawa and then to Bhairahawa. Sigdel later came to Kathmandu with his maternal uncle for schooling. Prior to joining the military, Sigdel was a national-level boxer and a skilled Taekwondo player. He was also known to be good at table tennis.

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Sigdel joined the armed forces in 1986. He was commissioned as a cadet after ranking first in the 25th Basic Course. He studied at the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri, Nepal, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from China’s National Defence University. He further undertook the Higher Command and Management Course at the Army War College in Nagarkot, as well as the Defence Management Course in India.

He also holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and another in Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, China.

Climbing the ranks

Over the decades, Sigdel has served in several roles. He was Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School and also led an Infantry Brigade and Division.

He was previously the Director of the Directorate of Military Operations and the DG of the Department of Staff Duties, Policy and Plans. He also served as Military Assistant to the Chief of Army Staff.

In 2019, Sigdel was Secretary of the Covid Crisis Management Center (CCMC). In 2022, he headed the Nepali Army delegation for the US-Nepal 3rd Land Force Talks. He has also served with UN peacekeeping forces in the former Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia.

During his career, Sigdel has received several honours, including the prestigious Suprabal Janasewashree III for his outstanding contribution to controlling the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also twice received the COAS Commendation Badge.

Sigdel was promoted to Lieutenant General in late 2023 and acted as Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCoAS). In August 2024, President Ramchandra Paudel, the Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army under the Constitution, appointed him Chief of Army Staff. He succeeded General Prabhu Ram Sharma in September 2024. The ceremony in Kathmandu was attended by dignitaries including Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav, then Prime Minister KP Oli, and Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha.

During a trip to India in December 2024, Sigdel was conferred with the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu. This came after Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal army on Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a special ceremony in Kathmandu. The tradition of conferring the title of Honorary General on the Army chiefs of Nepal and India has existed since 1950.

On this trip, Sigdel also met high-ranking Indian officials including NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan.

Sigdel is married to Nita Sigdel of Kathmandu. Their son, Ashutosh Sigdel, is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree.

Nepali Army, chiefs issue joint appeal

The Nepali Army and chiefs of other security agencies issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, urging protesters to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through dialogue.

“As the Prime Minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not allow further loss of life and property in this difficult situation,” they said.

They also called upon all concerned parties to find a peaceful solution through political dialogue. “A peaceful resolution through dialogue is the only way to restore order and stability,” the joint statement added.

The appeal came as protesters set fire to the parliament, Singha Durbar premises, Supreme Court, political party offices, and homes of senior leaders.

In a separate statement, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balen Shah, urged everyone to remain calm. His statement came soon after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation.

He also asked everyone to be ready to hold talks with the Army chief, but stressed that Parliament must be dissolved first.

“We had made it clear from the beginning – this is purely a Gen-Z movement. Dear Gen-Z, the resignation of your oppressor has already come. Now, please remain calm,” he said in a social media post.

The agitating youths also burnt the house of former prime minister and Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha, east of Kathmandu.

A video has gone viral on social media showing protesters capturing Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana, the former foreign minister, from their residence. They sustained minor injuries in the scuffle.

The agitators also set fire to the Hilton Hotel, a five-star property in Kathmandu. Deuba’s son Jaybir is believed to hold a major share in the hotel. They also vandalised Ullens School in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, owned by Arzu Rana.