The high-level probe commission interrogated four senior army officials including three generals in connection with their alleged role in the excessive use of force during the during the people’s movement-II on Sunday.
Then joint coordinator of the Security Council, Major Gen Kiran Shumsher Thapa, then head of the Military Secretariat of the Royal Palace, Major Gen Gajendra Limbu, then director general of the Military Operations of the army, Major Gen Kiran Shumsher Thapa, and Lt Colonel Suresh Kumar Karki, the head of the Charali Barrack in Jhapa recorded their statements at the probe commission’s office at Harihar Bhawan in Lalitpur today.
Talking to reporters after their questioning, all four army officials claimed that they had no role in the suppression of the movement. They said the security forces were mobilised by the then government and that the responsibility for the incidents during the movement should be taken by the erstwhile government.
As the secretary of the Military Secretariat, Major Gen Limbu had considerable influence over the decisions of the army headquarters during the movement in April this year which toppled King Gyanendra’s direct rule.
At least 21 persons were killed and over 4,000 others injured during the 19-day people’s movement. The probe commission has already grilled army chief Pyar Jung Thapa, his deputy Lt Gen Rukmangad Katuwal and few other army officials for their alleged role against the people’s uprising.