Army General's remarks spark controversy

Remarks made by acting chief of western division of Nepali Army (NA) Brigadier General Dilip SJB Rana about the possibility of mobilisation of NA to control Terai unrest has sparked controversy with politicians accusing him of making political comments.

Addressing the conference of NA divisions in Pokhara, Rana had said that there were possibility that NA would be deployed again for specified period to control Terai unrest if the police and armed police fail to maintain law and order.

"For this purpose, this division has already requested the headquarters to take initiative to reach an interim agreement among the government, the Maoists and the UN to allow NA to be mobilised for specified period," Rana told the gathering on Monday.

He also urged NA officials to become physically and mentally ready to cope with possible new situation, particularly under the concept of Aid to Civil Authority.

In his address, Rana also said that there were still some possibilities that the Maoists could yet again return to violence if the Constituent Assembly elections is not held on time or if its results do not suit them.

There were local political leaders, and military officials present at the gathering where Rana made the remarks.

Reacting to his remarks, deputy Prime Minister Amik Sherchan told BBC Nepali Service that it is for the government and not military officials to talk about such matters.

Sherchan said that even if there is a need to mobilise army, the government will take decisions not the military officials.

Likewise, political leaders who attended the gathering also criticised Rana for making political comments. UML district secretary Rabindra Adhikary said that the remarks showed inability to embrace the political change. Yagya Bahadur Thapa, district secretary of Nepali Congress said the army should refrain from making political comments.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ananta Thebe, spokesperson of the NA, said that Rana's remarks are his personal opinions and do not reflect the NA's position. He said the NA will carry out tasks as instructed by the government. He added that though he has not read the complete text of Rana's remarks, he could face action if he had spoken anything that went against the army's policy and position. "Nepali Army is the national army, which lives on people's taxes. Let there be no doubt that NA will do as per the government order and nothing else," Thebe said.

Rana's remarks have come days after Maoist chairman Prachanda indicated the possibility of deploying NA and Maoist army to quell Terai unrest. Prachanda had said that any such deployment has to be preceded by agreement among eight parties. nepalnews.com sd Feb 06 07