General Katawal ''turns down'' Maoist Government’s sack order

Kathmandu, May 3: Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Rookmangud Katawal, who was sacked by the Maoist government on Sunday morning, has reportedly refused to accept the cabinet letter on his sacking.

The government''s chief secretary, Bhoj Raj Ghimire, handed over the sack letter to General Katawal soon after the cabinet decision, but he refused to accept it, describing the decision as unconstitutional.

He said he would consult his lawyers on the government decision.

Both General Katawal and Lt. General Kul Bahadur Khadka (the incoming army chief) were at the Prime Minister''s official residence in Baluwatar when the cabinet took the decision.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) had held separate and joint meetings with both generals prior to the cabinet meeting, which was boycotted by the allies.

Meanwhile, a meeting of Nepal Army generals called by General Katawal is underway at the headquarters, discussing the cabinet decision and its repercussions, Nepal News reported. (ANI)