Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Pyar Jung Thapa inspected Butwal of Rupandehi district and Taulihawa, the district headquarters of Kapilvastu district, attacked by the Maoists on April 7, on Sunday.

On the occasion, Chief of the Army Staff Thapa praised the security personnel mobilized there for foiling the attempt of the Maoists to attack the two towns on April 7, state run Gorkhapatra daily quoted the Defence Ministry as saying.

Stating that the bravery and success of the security forces was a matter of pride and encouragement, COAS Thapa lauded the security personnel for exercising restraint and patience in the incident, even though the terrorists attacked the security forces using civilians, their houses and schools as shields.

“The Royal Nepalese Army is always committed to protecting human rights and the security personnel too should remain alert of ensuring that no innocent persons fall victim of the security action,” Thapa said.

On the occasion, Chief of the No. 22 Brigade in Butwal, Brigadier General Narendra Rawal, shed light on the clash that took place at Rupandehi and Kapilvastu districts on April 7, adds the Ministry.

At least 19 people including three security personnel and two civilians were killed during these incidents. nepalnews.com pb Apr 11 06