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NC set to be on war-path if govt sacks Army chief

Nepali Congress (NC) has warned that the party will go all out against the Maoist-led government if the latter goes ahead with its plan to sack Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal.

The main opposition party, however, decided to first advice the government against taking any further action against General Katawal reasoning that the government's decision to seek clarification from General Katawal itself "amount to action".

In a meeting held at NC President Girija Prasad Koirala's Maharajgunj residence Sunday morning, the NC leaders also decided to use all kinds of available options so as not to let the Maoist strategy of undermining all state organs and impose their authoritarianism succeed, reports quoted sources having access to the meeting.

At the meeting, Koirala said the party should "strongly oppose" Maoists plan to "capture state power" and directed his party leaders and activists to be ready to wage a strong protest movement against the government if it removes Army chief from his post.

Talking to journalists after the meeting, NC's chief whip Laxman Ghimire said that the party has decided to continue to obstruct the House sessions until they are assured that no action will be taken against the Army chief.

Similarly, there was also decision to hold an "all-party meeting" with all parties represented in the Constituent Assembly except Unified CPN (Maoist) on Monday.

On Saturday, senior NC leaders held a meeting with CPN-UML leaders and urged them not to support the Maoist's plan to sack the Army chief, which it said, is a prelude to Maoist dream of seizing state power.

Meanwhile, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subash Chandra Nemwang started consultation with political party leaders to resume normal business at the Legislature-Parliament.

The House remains adjourned as various political parties led by NC continue to obstruct its sessions over the government's decision to seek clarification from the Army chief. nepalnews.com ag Apr 26 09