Chief of army staff General Thapa questioned

Kathmandu, Aug 3 (UNI) The High-Level Investigation Commission, formed to investigate the atrocities committed during the anti king demonstration in April, today grilled the Chief of Army Staff Gen Pyar Jung Thapa for his alleged involvement in supressing the Jana Andolan II.

Gen Thapa had refused to go to the commission on Monday saying that he had a pre scheduled programme to visit barracks in western Nepal.

''I am attending the commission to record my statement'', local media quoted Thapa as saying.

He was the commander of the unified command during the popular movement that forced King Gyanendra to give up his dictatorial rule.

At least 21 people including an Indian national were killed and over 5000 injured most of them in the head during the movement held across the country.

UNI XC SB RN1334