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Nepal Army Chief snubs probe panel

Ameet Dhakal

KATHMANDU: Top army officials have snubbed High Level Probe Commission's summon to testify for their alleged role in atrocities committed during the April Revolution, raising uproar in the House of Representatives (HoR).

Army Chief Pyar Jung Thapa did not go to the Commission on Sunday "under the pretext" that he had a previously arranged programme to attend in Pokhara, Nepal's tourist city.

On Tuesday, his deputy, General Rukmangat Katuwal, and retired army General Dipak Bikram Rana also refused to present themselves before the Commission arguing that they cannot do so unless their boss does it. The Commission has again summoned the army chief on Thursday.

Speaking at Monday's House session, lawmakers said the Prime Minister should speak in the House on the issue. "Some news suggest that the army chief snubbed the Commission's summon with the consent of the Prime Minister, we want to know the truth and Prime Minister should clarify the fact," said lawmaker Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu.

Over half a dozen of lawmakers spoke on the issue and severely criticised the army. They said it only reinforces the need for reform in the Nepali Army. This is the second day in a row that the lawmakers have taken on the army. On Sunday, they had severely chastised the army and called for strict enforcement of discipline and reform in the army structure.

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