Nepal will repair Kosi embankment on its own: Minister

Kathmandu, Aug 27 (UNI) Nepal's newly appointed Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) has said Nepal will mobilise internal resources to repair Kosi embankment.

''We will start mobilising internal resources to repair the embankments in a permanent manner,'' Nepalnews quoted Mr Thapa as saying after inspecting the flood affected areas in eastern Nepal.

Nealry 50,000 people have been displaced in the flood following the collapse of Koshi embankment. Four villages were completely under water and people are still taking shelter in schools and public places.

The government has allocated Rs 20 million for the flood affected areas and the US government has provided 50,000 dollars.

Meanwhile, Mr Thapa said the Maoists combatant will be integrated into Nepal army within three to six months. A special committee will be formed to initiate the process of integration.

The Defence Minister urged everyone not to doubt the process of integration at a time when the ''Nepali people have voted Maoists to form the government and the Nepali Army has vowed to carry out the instructions of the government.'' UNI XC SLD CS1610