King Gyanendra, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appointed Gen. Pyar Jung Thapa Chief of the Royal Nepalese Army Staff, an official announcement said.
Gen.Thapa was promoted to General from Lt. General. Gen. Thapa succeeds Prajwalla SJB Rana who retired Monday.
Gen. Thapa has personally directed operations against the Maoists before taking over as Army Chief.