Nepal Army chief describe recruitment issue as 'internal matter'

Kathmandu, Feb 13 (ANI): Nepal Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal on Friday said that the ongoing dispute over army recruitment is an "internal matter" of Nepal Army and that the army itself is capable of resolving it.

In response to questions from the members of the National Interest Protection Committee of the Constituent Assembly (CA) about the ongoing row between the Ministry of Defense and Nepal, the army chief said that he can't speak on the "internal matter" of the army in the meeting called to discuss the future make-up of the Nepal Army.

"I will speak about this issue where it is required," Nepalnews quoted him as saying.

He also assured the members that the Nepal Army now bears the national flag respecting the changes that have arrived in the country.

"The army is moving ahead as per the law and agrees to people's supremacy," he added.

Reiterating that the Nepal Army has been working as per the government directives, he clarified that the army does not have a history of working for vested interest.

Indicating army integration issue, he said that the integration would be done as per military qualification, nor under any pressure or under anyone's wishes.

Meanwhile, Katawal submitted two documents regarding national key policies and security policies on the behalf of entire army personnel for new Constitution.

The army recruitment dispute amplified recently after the NA carried out fresh recruitment defying the Defense Ministry's order to stop new enlistment. (ANI)