NC urges UML not to support Maoist plan of sacking army chief

The main opposition Nepali Congress has urged the ruling party CPN (UML) not to support the Maoist’s plan to sack Chief of Army Staff Rookmangad Katawal.

At a meeting of the top leaders of the two parties held at UML parliamentary party office, Singha Durbar Saturday, NC leaders warned of street protests if the CoAS is terminated.

UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal urged NC leaders to consider their stance further as the Maoist’s were warning of pulling out of the government if they can’t take action against the CoAS.

We put across our position along with the agreement of the 17 opposition parties, said NC spokesperson Arjun Narsingh KC after the meeting. The UML has sought an all party consensus in this issue. We are positive on that, too. But all 24 political parties in the CA should agree to it, KC added.

Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, general secretary Ishwar Pokhrel, leader Amrit Bohora, vice-chairman Ashok Rai, leader Surendra Pande and secretary Shankar Pokhrel represented the UML, while acting president Shushil Koirala, vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel, and leaders Arjun Narsingh KC, Shekhar Koirala and Gopal Pahadi represented the NC at the meeting.

The Maoist-led government is waiting for the official position from the UML to take a decision on whether or not to sack the CoAS Katawal. nepalnews.com Apr 26 09

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