NEPALGUNJ, April 20: Senior Maoist leader and Finance Minister Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai has termed the government’s demand for clarifications from Nepal Army chief General Rookmangud Katawal a last chance for him to prove his loyalty to the government. [break]
“As he [Katawal] has not cooperated with all the initiatives of the popularly elected government, we have given him last chance to furnish clarification within 24 hours,” said Dr Bhattarai who stopped here on his way to Kathmandu from his Kalikot visit.
Talking to reporters at Nepalgunj airport, Bhattarai said what kind of action will the government take against Katawal will depend on Katawal’s response. “If the government is not satisfied with the response then the government will relieve him from office,” said Bhattarai. “Katawal is among a few generals who have ignored the government directives.”
Bhattarai also blamed “the traditional and status-quoist forces” for encouraging “some people” into creating disturbances in their attempt to derail the peace process. “Our major task at present is to take the peace process to a logical end and formulate a new constitution,” said Bhattarai. “Those who used to hang about the palace in the past are against the national mission though they seem supportive of republic,” he said.
Without pronouncing Katawal’s name but clearly hinting at him, Bhattarai said the government decided to take action against him to stop the traditional and status-quoist forces from obstructing the peace and constitution-making process by using him.
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