Human Rights activists have rapped the government for appointing Major General Rukmangad Katawal as the acting chief of Nepali Army (NA), alleging that Katawal played important role to suppress pro-democracy movement of the country.
In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, on Friday, beside expressing regret over Katawal’s appoint they have also expressed their serious concerns over the new army bill, saying it does not address “rampant impunity” in the country.
They have urged the prime minister to ensure that the bill meets the international human rights standards.
Similarly the rights activists have accused Katawal of penning anti-democracy articles under the pseudonym Ajya P Nath during the people’s movement.
In the memorandum, Katawal has been accused of human rights abuses in the Chisapani barracks while he was the head of the mid western division of the NA.