Gen Katawal, who was summoned by the parliament’s National Interest Preservation Committee, told the committee that Nepal never had a military rule and that situation won´t arise in the future. [break]
"An army rule can never be imposed in Nepal and it will not be the case in the future," he said, while fielding lawmakers´ questions.However, he brushed aside the lawmakers´ questions on the row between the Defense Ministry and the Nepal Army (NA) headquarters on fresh recruitment in the NA, stating that it was an internal matter. "I will talk about this issue only to the authority where I am supposed to talk," he said.
Gen Katawal said NA was not the army of a political party or a particular group. "We have firmly taken the vow to hold the national flag," he told lawmakers. "There is no need to doubt the army´s sincerity. We always stand ready to honor the people´s desire for change."
He categorically said the NA always abides by the orders of a government elected by the people. "The army also takes the order from the government," he said. "The army has never breached its mandate."
The lawmakers were impressed by the General´s handling of their questions. Referring to Katawal´s clever handling of questions, Maoist lawmaker Amik Sherchan said whether he was an army General or a diplomat or a journalist.
On a question from the lawmakers, the COAS said the NA is already moving ahead to make the national army as inclusive as possible. "We are further pushing inclusiveness in the army," he said, adding that the force cannot achieve the desired inclusiveness overnight and it happens gradually.
He said all the mines laid by the NA are clearly marked and they are being cleared in coordination with the United Nations according to a plan. "NA is building its capacity in clearing mines," he said, adding that the UN too has certified NA personnel as professional mine cleaners.
thira@myrepublica.com
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