Nepal PM to be given PLA security

Kathmandu, Aug 18 (UNI) The CPN-Maoist has decided to depute the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for the security of newly elected Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, local media reports said today.

The Maoist central committee meeting decided that along with the national army and the police forces, the PLA too would be involved in the security of the prime minister.

Earlier, 180 Nepal army personnel, more than double the normal security personnel for prime minister, were sent under the command of Lt Col for the security of the prime minister.

Yesterday, it was reported that there was an altercation between the army and the armed police force at the Prime Minister's residence. Girija Prasad Koirala has already left the official residence.

Prachanda will be sworn in as Prime Minister this afternoon.

The oath taking ceremony will be held at the president's office.

President Ram Baran Yadav will administer the oath of office to the newly elected premier of the Himalayan Republic. Indian leaders led by Sharad Yadav will also attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the three major political parties of the coalition government have not been able to sort out the differences over the allocation of ministerial portfolio. MJF has been demanding the deputy prime minister and foreign affairs portfolio.

The parties have decided that Maoists will have 9 ministries including defence and finance, UML 6 including home affars and MJF 4 including information and communications.

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