The embattled Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rookmangud Katawal has submitted a written clarification to the government for defying the latter’s orders Tuesday.

On behalf of CoAS Katawal, Nepal Army spokesperson Brigadier General Ramindra Chhettri submitted the army chief’s clarification to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar Tuesday morning.

Reports quoted sources as saying that the army chief’s letter bearing his written clarification has already been sent to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

MoD had on Monday given a 24-hour ultimatum to General Katawal to defend
charges related to recruitment of soldiers against government orders, reinstatement of eight retired Brigadier Generals without first seeking consent of MoD and boycotting of National Games.

The Maoist controlled ministry, which is at odds with Nepal Army since the latter recruited 3010 soldiers by going the government’s orders to stop it, had accused General Katawal of challenging “people’s supremacy” by repeatedly disobeying the government orders.

The government has said it will take a final decision on the army’s chief clarification after discussing with other political parties today.

The cabinet meeting is also scheduled to be held shortly to decide on the issue.

Meanwhile, the ruling Unified CPN (Maoist) has advised the government to suspend General Katawal from the post of army chief if his clarification is not deemed convincing.

A meeting of the party’s Central Secretariat held today morning at the Prime Minister’s official residence to discuss the government’s decision to ask General Katawal to furnish clarification had reached to this conclusion.

The meeting also concluded that the government had the constitutional rights to seek clarification from its army chief and also decided to hold a mass meet in the capital city today in support of the government’s decision to ask General Katawal to furnish clarification on the controversial issues related to the army.

On Monday, Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai said the government had sought clarification from the army chief with the aim of relieving him of his duties.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had also met with President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav the same day to brief the army’s Supreme Commander on the government decision.

During the meeting, President Yadav reportedly cautioned PM Dahal against any unnecessary intervention, asking him to consult the Interim Constitution and forge political consensus before taking any decision. nepalnews.com ag Apr 21 09