Nepal Army far from politics, says COAS Katawal

Kathmandu, Sept 22 : Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Rookmangud Katawal has said the army was and would always remain detached from politics and would not make any compromise if the country's territorial integrity is in danger.

Addressing a passing out function of officer cadets here, Katawal said the army had to stick to standard while making recruitment.

"There is no discrimination in the army based on ethnicity, language, religion and community and it is already an inclusive institution," he said.

"Since its recruitment centres will be opened in every corner of the country to make it more inclusive, every Nepali enjoys the right to join this institution voluntarily through open competition under the set standards," he added.

Katawal said that the army is always committed to obey the orders of a legitimate government.

"Nepal Army wants Nepal first, then feels itself proud to be from Himal, Hill, and Tarai," he added.

He is comments on recruitment standards came as the government is set to integrate Maoist combatants into the Nepal national security forces. Maoists are demanding integration of their fighters into the Nepal army, an option the army leadership rejects outright, Kantipur reported.

ANI