Nepal’s Maoist Govt. sacks army chief

Kathmandu, May 3: Nepal on Sunday removed its Chief of Army Staff, General Rukmanga Katawal, from his post. General Katawal has been replaced by General Kul Bahadur Khadka.

Specualtions about General Katawal being sacked from the post gained momentum recently when Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai said General Katawal could be sacked if he fails to furnish clarification on some serious issues.

Dr Bhattarai had said that if General Katawal failed to defend himself against charges of "grossly" defying the government orders, he would be relieved of his command.

The Maoist-led government had  asked General Katawal to clarify the need for recruiting 3010 soldiers, reinstatement of the eight retired brigadier generals sans the approval of the Defence Ministry and boycotting the National Games.  (ANI)