Army Chief Gen Katawal continues in office; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 4 May: A tussle has begun the president and the elected Maoists leading a government on the limits of their powers after Maoists unilaterally sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal Sunday throwing the country in a deep political crisis.
The future of the five-month Maoist-led government is in crisis after CPN-UML and NSP walked out of government supporting beleaguered Gen Katawal who continues in office after receiving support from President Dr Ram Baran Yadav who called the Maoist move unconstitutional.
MJF hasn’t yet adopted a formal decision to come out of government amid support from some top leaders for Gen Katawal.
MJF Chairman and Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav is away in Cuba.
The future of the Maoist-led government rests with the third largest coalition partner of Maoists in government.
The government faces a no-confidence vote in parliament.
“Government decision is unconstitutional. The procedure of dismissal is wrong and against the culture of consensus,” Dr Yadav said.
‘The action of the president who has challenged the government decision is meaningless,” said Prime Minister Prachanda.
Student supporters of Maoists and main opposition Nepali Congress, which opposes the Maoist, action came out on the streets and clashed for the second consecutive day Monday.
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