Following the controversial decision by the organisers to allow the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to participate in the fifth national games, which began on Monday, Nepal Army has withdrawn its participation from the games.

The PLA teams had been included in the last hour with direct intervention by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The Maoists had threatened to interrupt the games if the ex-combatants were not included. The PLA have been allowed to contest in four games, out of 32.

Nepal Army players left Dashrath Stadium Tuesday morning where they were scheduled to contest in athletics track and field events. Two of the players had even completed their events.

The games have been temporarily halted following the boycott by the army personnel. The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) are still to decide whether they will participate or boycott to support Nepal Army as no direction has been given from the higher authorities.

Nepal Army players also boycotted the events of cricket, weightlifting and chess scheduled for today. Senior army officers had reached the stadium to call back the players.

After the decision by the Nepal Army, the game organisers have begun urgent meeting to decide on how to go ahead. nepalnews.com ia Apr 07 09