Nepal government collapses after attempt to sack military chief

cowboy · 07-01-2009, 04:45 AM

The Maoist government of Nepal has collapsed after a failed attempt to remove the country's right-wing army chief.

By Thomas Bell in Bangkok
Published: 5:43PM BST 03 May 2009

There are fears of street clashes after General Rookmangud Katawal was fired for failing to comply with orders but refused to step down Photo: (AFP/Getty Images: Manan Vatsyayana)

The cabinet bid to sack Gen Rookmangud Katawal prompted the second largest party, the centrist UML, to resign from the ruling coalition.
The Himalayan country is emerging from a 10 year civil war which ended with a ceasefire in 2006. Last year the former Maoist rebels won national elections and formed a coalition government.

But the peace process is now stuck on the issue that sparked the latest crisis – the integration of former Maoist fighters into the traditionally conservative national army.
General Katawal is regarded as political conservative and has been accused of resisting government control of the army and failing to abide by the commitments of the 2006 peace agreement.
However, many fear that if former rebels joined the army the force would become politically radicalised, as the Maoists have tried to do with other institutions.
Neighbouring India, which has considerable influence in Nepal, has backed Gen Katawal in his long running differences with the government.
The cabinet moved yesterday to sack Gen Katawal for failing to carry out their demands but he refused to step down and called a meeting of his fellow generals. Yesterday, Gen Katawal appeared to be still in control of the army.
The Maoists, with a formidable national organisation, have frequently threatened to launch a massive street movement if their ambitions are thwarted.
Prashant Jha, a political analyst in the city, said: "The situation is very tense, street clashes are a real possibility. The only certainty is that something has to change."
This is the first major crisis since the monarchy was abolished and Nepal became a republic with a ceremonial presidency last year.
According to the constitution, Ram Baran Yadav, the president, must endorse orders of the cabinet but he is under pressure to countermand the general's sacking.
Many people in Kathmandu's middle and upper classes have been appalled by abuses of power by the Maoists since the party came to power last year.
They include the likes of Gen Katawal, who was raised in the royal palace almost like an adopted son of one of Nepal's former kings. As part of the peace process the monarchy was abolished following last year's elections.
But they also include many more liberal and opportunist politicians who may now attempt to form a new coalition.

Invincible · 07-01-2009, 05:37 AM

Too bad.
Nepal, sri lanka, pakistan are like stone tied to the legs of india trying to pule it down, while india is trying to walk towards progress.

MatrixVipin · 07-01-2009, 09:24 AM

Yes all neighbours of India are unstable.
You can't progress if your neighbours are always in trouble.

07-01-2009, 04:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
cowboy Status: Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vancouver, Can Age: 32 Posts: 4,806 Thanks: 21 Thanked 71 Times in 67 Posts	Nepal government collapses after attempt to sack military chief The Maoist government of Nepal has collapsed after a failed attempt to remove the country's right-wing army chief. By Thomas Bell in Bangkok Published: 5:43PM BST 03 May 2009 There are fears of street clashes after General Rookmangud Katawal was fired for failing to comply with orders but refused to step down Photo: (AFP/Getty Images: Manan Vatsyayana) The cabinet bid to sack Gen Rookmangud Katawal prompted the second largest party, the centrist UML, to resign from the ruling coalition. The Himalayan country is emerging from a 10 year civil war which ended with a ceasefire in 2006. Last year the former Maoist rebels won national elections and formed a coalition government. But the peace process is now stuck on the issue that sparked the latest crisis – the integration of former Maoist fighters into the traditionally conservative national army. General Katawal is regarded as political conservative and has been accused of resisting government control of the army and failing to abide by the commitments of the 2006 peace agreement. However, many fear that if former rebels joined the army the force would become politically radicalised, as the Maoists have tried to do with other institutions. Neighbouring India, which has considerable influence in Nepal, has backed Gen Katawal in his long running differences with the government. The cabinet moved yesterday to sack Gen Katawal for failing to carry out their demands but he refused to step down and called a meeting of his fellow generals. Yesterday, Gen Katawal appeared to be still in control of the army. The Maoists, with a formidable national organisation, have frequently threatened to launch a massive street movement if their ambitions are thwarted. Prashant Jha, a political analyst in the city, said: "The situation is very tense, street clashes are a real possibility. The only certainty is that something has to change." This is the first major crisis since the monarchy was abolished and Nepal became a republic with a ceremonial presidency last year. According to the constitution, Ram Baran Yadav, the president, must endorse orders of the cabinet but he is under pressure to countermand the general's sacking. Many people in Kathmandu's middle and upper classes have been appalled by abuses of power by the Maoists since the party came to power last year. They include the likes of Gen Katawal, who was raised in the royal palace almost like an adopted son of one of Nepal's former kings. As part of the peace process the monarchy was abolished following last year's elections. But they also include many more liberal and opportunist politicians who may now attempt to form a new coalition.

07-01-2009, 05:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
Invincible Status: Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune, Incredible India Age: 25 Posts: 4,831 Thanks: 137 Thanked 41 Times in 37 Posts	Re: Nepal government collapses after attempt to sack military chief Too bad. Nepal, sri lanka, pakistan are like stone tied to the legs of india trying to pule it down, while india is trying to walk towards progress.

07-01-2009, 09:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
MatrixVipin Status: Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 4,077 Thanks: 16 Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Nepal government collapses after attempt to sack military chief Yes all neighbours of India are unstable. You can't progress if your neighbours are always in trouble. __________________ Do not lower your goals to the level of your abilities. Instead, raise your abilities to the height of your goals.

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