Defence ministry refuses to extend terms of eight brigadier generals

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 17 March: The refusal by Maoist Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal to extend the tenure of eight brigadier generals for another three years is a ‘reflection of cooling relations between the ministry and Nepal Army’, said retired Gen Balananda Sharma Tuesday.
“This is the first time such a decision has been taken not to collectively extend their tenure,” said the retired general.
“This will create a void and shortage of trained personnel in the army at a time when their services were needed,” he said.
Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal recommended the extension.
The decision of Minister Thapa comes at a time when the army refused to implement a defence ministry order not to fill in 3,100 vacancies in the Nepal Army okayed by the supreme court.
Katawal pushed the extension in separate meetings Monday with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, who is also supreme commander-in-chief of NA, and Prime Minister Prachanda.
CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel and Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat also discussed the issue with the president Monday.
The terms of Pradip Bikran Rana, Pawan Bahadur Pandey, Rajiv Pratap KC, Kumar Buddhathoki, Narendra Rawal, Shiva Paudel, Ramesh Bista and Nar Bahadur Kandel expired Monday.
Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala recommended to the prime minister over telephone Monday not to spoil tradition in the army, Annapurna Post reports.
“The army tradition shouldn’t be spoilt. When their rights are curtailed, army psychology will be weakened. Such behaviour won’t benefit government,” Koirala told Prachanda, the newspaper quoted an unnamed Congress leader as saying.
CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal also telephoned PM Prachanda Monday and warned responsibility will have to be taken for the serious result in not extending a tenure of the brigadiers, Annapurna Post reports.
‘This is normal process. There won’t be a reconsideration, Kantipur quoted Badal as saying.
There was a provision to extend terms for another three years after the completion of a four-year term.
The president discussed the issue also with CPN-UML leader Ishwor Pokhrel and Congress Spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC Monday. “According to a strategy to attack strategic institutions, Maoists didn’t extend the tenure of the army officers,” Kantipur reports quoting KC.’ It’s clear they are moving towards dictatorship.”
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Girija continues consultations with top Congress leaders

Kathmandu, 13 March: Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala Tuesday continued discussions with his top party leaders for the second consecutive day Tuesday after indicating the party could join the Maoist-led government.
Koirala indicated Monday the party could join government after returning from India where held discussions of Nepali politics with Indian leaders.
Koirala briefed the party on his talks with the leaders in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, PM Prachanda and Indian Ambassador rakesh Sood held discussions Tuesday.
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Armed Maoist commander arrested, handed over to UNMIN

Kathmandu, 17 March: An armed Maoist commander and three others were arrested overnight by police in Baudha and handed arms monitors of the UNMIN.
Brigade Commander Bir Bahadur GM, Debendra Pun Magar, Prakash GM and Urgen Lama were arrested with two pistols with UNMOIN stickers and 25 rounds of bullets.
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Technical committee for integration of Maoist combatants

Kathmandu, 17 March” Special army integration committee chaired by Prime Minister Prachanda Monday decided to form a eight-member technical committee for the integration and resettlement of 19,000 plus PLA combatants in 28 UNMIN cantonments and camps.
The committee is likely to be formed Wednesday.
The coordination of the committee will be named by the prime minister.
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Contempt of court charge against IGP and home secretary

Kathmandu, 17 March: The supreme court Monday initiated contempt of court proceedings against Home Secretary Dr Gobinda Kusum and Inspector of Nepal Police Ramesh Chand Thakuri on the charge of furnishing false information to the apex court regarding the detention of two persons, The Himalayan Times reports.
Dr Kursum and several police officers had tried to hide the detention of Nandu Giri and Bikram Shah, the two activists of Maoist Victim Association, while furnishing a reply to the apex court.
A division bench of Justices Prem Sharma and Girish Chandra Lal Monday directed the authorities to release Giri and Shah and produce them before the Supreme Court registrar within three days using a fast means of transport.
The bench listed the case as a criminal offence and summoned Home Secretary and IGP to attend the SC hearing in person within three days to defend the contempt of court charge.
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