Former Nepal Army (NA) chief Rookmangud Katawal has said the army will not remain silent if there is bloodshed and turmoil in the country because of the Constituent Assembly failing to promulgate the new constitution within the May 28 deadline. Speaking to the Reporters Club members at his residence in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Friday morning, the controversial former army chief said democratic forces have become weaker after the demise of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. Katawal, who is allegedly close to the pro-monarchist camp, said issues such as secularism, monarchy and federalism must be decided through referendum. He said the people should be given the right to speak directly on these grave national issues if parties are committed to democratic culture and people's sovereignty. He further said the environment of trust could be built only when the arms carried by other than state's forces are handed over to the state.He mentioned Nepal Army will work together with Nepali people in safeguarding national sovereignty and integrity. Few days ago, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had called on NA leadership to join hand with his party to safeguard national sovereignty and integrity. Katawal added that future of the Maoist combatants must be determined as per the agreements and interim constitution. According to interim constitution, the integration and rehabilitation of the combatants should have been completed within six months form the promulgation of the interim constitution. Stating that not a single agreement in the past speaks about integrating the combatants into Nepal Army, he added, integration must be based on individual capacity fulfilling the criteria set for recruitment.
nepalenws.com