KATHMANDU, Dec 24: In a controversial decision, the government on Thursday promoted Major General Toran Jung Bahadur Singh to Lieutenant General of the Nepal Army (NA). [break]
The Cabinet decision has placed Singh as second-in-command of the Nepal Army. He will assume office as Chief of General Staff (CoGS) of the national army.
The CoGS is considered a powerful appointment in the NA as General Military Operations Directorate, Military Intelligence Directorate, Directorate General of Military Training and Directorate General of Medical Office all come under his command.
The decision to promote Singh comes amidst pressure from various national and international rights organizations not to take the decision in view of his past human rights records.
A report by Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-N) in 2006 alleges that the NA´s Bhairabnath Battalion was involved in arbitrary detention, torture and disappearance of alleged Maoists during 2003 to 2004 when Singh was commander of the 10th Brigade comprising three battalions including Bhairabnath.
The OHCHR-N maintained that Singh was not directly involved in the arbitrary detention, torture and disappearances at Bhairabnath Battalion from 2003 to 2004 but he was in the chain of command at the time when the disappearance of 49 detainees took place.
The rights groups have demanded legal action against those involved including Singh in the disappearances of the detainees.
Singh´s promotion had been pending for more than six months despite a recommendation to that effect by Defense Minister Bidya Bhandari in June. The post of second man was lying vacant since Kul Bahadur Khadka retired in June.
Though Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was compelled to put aside the proposal following objection from various rights groups and members of the diplomatic community, Defense Minister Bhandari had been insisting for Singh´s promotion.
The government had given Singh the responsibility of acting army chief during the visit of Chief of Army Staff Chhatraman Singh Gurung to the US and India, notwithstanding the criticisms from rights groups.
Minister Bhandari, who had been unofficially boycotting several cabinet meetings over the differences on Singh´s promotion issue, was present during the cabinet meeting Thursday.
Earlier, the government had formed a secretary-level committee to probe the allegations against Singh. The Committee had submitted its report to the cabinet with no conclusion whether Singh should be held responsible for the disappearances.
According to Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokharel, the cabinet meeting also decided to form a taskforce with Defense Minister Bhandari as head to expedite the process of democratization in the NA.
The taskforce comprises Home Minister Bhim Rawal, Law Minister Prem Bahadur Singh, Constituent Assembly and Federal Affairs Minister Dr Minendra Rijal and Minister without Portfolio Laxman Lal Karna.
Koirala proposed for Noble Peace Prize
Thursday´s cabinet has decided to recommend Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala for Nobel Peace Prize for next year, according to Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokharel.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal proposed nominating Koirala for the coveted prize. The octogenarian leader has been nominated for his leading role in the peace process. Earlier the Nobel Peace Prize Committee had asked the government to recommend the name of a person who has contributed in the peace process.
Govt to help expedite House business
Pokharel said the cabinet meeting decided to help make the House proceedings effective in the context of the agitating Maoists lifting their months-long House obstruction Thursday.
The cabinet decided to pass various bills including those on implementation of republic, allowing swearing-in in mother tongue, truth and reconciliation, disappearances and inclusiveness and physically-challenged people.
Cabinet nod to 4 months extension for UNMIN
The cabinet decided to ask the UN to extend the term of United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) by four months. The government will set the mandate of the UNMIN in the new context.
The term of the UNMIN expires on January 23, 2010.
36 members in PM´s China delegation
According to Minister Pokharel, the cabinet approved a 36-member delegation for the prime minister´s visit to China beginning Saturday. While the government will bear the cost of 15 members, the remaining 21 accompanying the prime minister will bear the cost involved on their own.
The cabinet also decided to provide Rs 300,000 to journalist Tika Bista, who was allegedly attacked by Maoists in Rukum.
Probe committee on Dhami´s case
The cabinet decided to form a committee to probe the case of Suntali Dhami, a policewoman who was allegedly raped by her own colleagues, in Achham district last month.
The committee will carry out a detailed study on the incident and make recommendations to the government.
Experts committee to study liquidity crisis
Thursday´s cabinet also decided to form an experts´ committee with National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice Chairman Yuvraj Khatiwada as head to study the deepening liquidity crisis in the country. The committee will make necessary recommendations.
koshraj@myrepublica.com