Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) KP Sharma Oli (File photo)
At a time when the statement issued by the Nepalese Army (NA) on the statement of Maoist chairman Prachana getting criticism from various quarters, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) KP Sharma Oli has defended it and said, NA issued the statement as the government and the Defense Ministry could not take any initiation in this regard.

The Kantipur daily quoted DPM as saying that the remark of Maoist chairman Prachanda about the NA was not balanced and unsystematic.

He further said that such statement of Prachana might have negative impact in the talks.

Maoist chairman Prachana (File photo)
Oli is also of the view that the media should not present news as it was spoken by Maoist chairman Prachanda in an unsystematic way.

Addressing a press conference after the high level talks with the leaders of seven political parties last Friday, Maoist supremo Prachanda had alleged the NA of doing nothing in its history other than killing Nepali people.

Prachanda alleged that Nepali Army had done nothing good except “murdering people and raping Nepali women.” The top rebel leader further said since the Nepali Army could not fight with India, China or the US, it should be reduced to around 20,000 from its present strength of 90,000.

In a statement issued on Thursday, spokesman of the NA, Brigadier General Nepal Bhusan Chand, said Nepali Army was seriously concerned over what it called objectionable comments and remarks made by the rebel leader “during the recent special government programme at an important venue which was telecast live all over the country and attended by top political leaders.”

“Nepali Army has—behind it—a history of over 225 years old culture of glorious nationalism, protection of territorial integrity and selfless sacrifice for people’s security. Nepal’s history is testimony to the fact that from the past to the present, the NA has always remained committed to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and dignity of the people under the direct command of the prevailing constitutional government,” the statement added.

DPM Oli also added that Maoists are not only involved in development activities but also involved in raping women.

DPM Oli further said that he met with Chief of Army Staff on Friday as an acting Prime Minister and defense Minister.

The paper also quoted spokesman of the Defense Ministry as saying that the ministry is studying the statement of Maoist Supremo Prachanda.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahanta Thakur has alleged that the Nepali Army was trying to sabotage the peace process by issuing such statements.