Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has presented insignia to the newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Rukmangad Katawal Sunday.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala presenting the insignia to the newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Rukmangad Katawal at Singha Durbar, Sunday, Sep 10 06. Photo courtesy: DPR, NA.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala presenting the insignia to the newly appointed…
Breaking the tradition of giving the insignia by the King, Prime Minister Koirala handed it over to CoAS Katawal at a function organized at the hall of National Planning Commission.

The historic proclamation of the reinstated parliament on May 18 had removed the provision of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Nepal Army held by His Majesty the King.

Talking to journalists after receiving the insignia, newly appointed CoAS Katawal said that he will fulfill the responsibility entrusted to him by the government of Nepal.

He further said that he will work to empower democracy and restore peace and stability in the country as commanded by the Nepal Government.

He reiterated full commitment towards democracy and added that he will do nothing against democracy.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have criticized the government for appointing Katawal, who they alleged had played important role to suppress the pro-democracy movement of the country, to the top post of Nepal Army.

Speaking at Sunday’s session of the parliament, they charged the government for neglecting the people’s aspiration by appointing Katawal, as the high level probe commission is investigating his role in suppressing the April movement.

Maoists and human rights activists have been protesting the appointment of Katawal, saying the appointment will promote the culture of impunity in the country as Katawal was involved in rights violations.