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Kathmandu takes exception to Army Chief's decision

The decision made by the Army Chief [General Rukmangud Katuwal] regarding Army generals' term extension is against Army law, claimed government's spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara. He also said the Army's decision to pull out from the National Games after the Maoists' People's Liberation Army (PLA) participated in it was of serious concern. We are therefore seeking clarification from him [General Katuwal], said Mr. Mahara.

Sunday's Cabinet meeting had decided to seek clarification from General Katuwal. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) met the President on Monday and informed about the letter sent by the Defence Ministry to the Army chief that required him to clarify within 24 hours.

The Maoist-led government's relations with the Army worsened when the Army opened recruitment in February while the process of integrating the PLA into the Army was pending. To counter the Army's move, the PLA also announced recruitment but the Supreme Court and the Army Integration Special Committee intervened to stop it.

In March, the government's decision to retire eight Brigadiers was flayed by various political parties. The issue reached the Supreme Court which issued a stay order. A last-minute decision by the Prime Minister to allow the PLA to participate in the Fifth National Games was unacceptable to the Army and it pulled out of events in which it had to play against the PLA.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress boycotted a House meeting on Monday following the government's decision to seek clarification from the Army Chief. Vice-president of the Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Paudel said the government 's move was nothing but an attempt to weaken the Army and the nation and pushing the country towards anarchism. Mr. Paudel further said: We seriously believe that they [the Maoists] are against peace process, adding, If they're really committed towards it, they should now prove in action rather than in speeches.

Bhattarai hospitalised

Former Prime Minister and the founding member of Nepali Congress Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has been hospitalised on Monday. The 85-year-old leader was admitted after he complained of chest pain and fever. Reports say he is out of danger.

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