This Article is From May 03, 2009

Nepal's 'General' discomfort

Nepal's 'General' discomfort

AP image

Kathmandu:

The relationship between the Maoist guerrillas and the Nepali Army has been tense ever since the former rebels came to power last year.

The Army chief, Rookmangud Katawal, is known to be a Maoist baiter and a Royalist. He was adopted by Mahendra, the father of King Gyanendra, who stepped down last year marking the end of monarchy in Nepal. Since his appointment in 2006, the general has had a stormy tenure after he refused to let Maoist guerrillas into the army.

The last straw came after the army decided to boycott the 5th National Games to protest against the Maoist fighters' participation.

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