Army will not back King: Dr. Mahat

September 12, 2006
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Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat (File Photo)

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat (File Photo)
In a move to defend the appointment of Rukmangad Katawal to the post of Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), finance minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat ruled out the possibility of monarchy taking over the reigns of the country again at the strength of the Nepali Army.

Speaking at a talk program organized to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of founding leader of Nepali Congress, late BP Koirala, Dr. Mahat said, “I do not think the Nepali Army will back the King in seizing power in the future as the army has also learnt lessons from the recent Jana Andolan (People’s movement) II.”

Mahat said that the army had also suffered a lot and faced humiliation on the international front after it supported the King’s infamous February 1 takeover.

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 deprivingthe King from his command over the 90,000 strong army.

Mahat also added that the CoAS, Rukmangat Katawal, during his swearing-in ceremony at the Singha Durbar, had also vowed to be accountable to the people and the democratic system.

“CoAS Katawal has also expressed full commitment to the people and democracy during his swearing-in ceremony on Sunday. So, nobody should harbour any suspicion about the army’s duties and responsibilities,” Dr. Mahat added.

Commenting on the issue of Maoist arms management, Mahat said that there would not be free and fair elections to a constituent assembly under the Maoists’ “shadow of arms”.

Coming down heavily on Maoist excesses, Dr. Mahat said that there was no rule of law even after the restoration of democracy because of the Maoists’ forced donation collection spree and other atrocities.