Nepali Times
From The Nepali Press
Matters of procedure



KIRAN PANDAY
What is your current post?
I was appointed acting army chief by the government, but I am not being allowed to do my job. The Supreme Court has already scrapped the writ petition filed against my appointment and it's clear that both the cabinet and the Supreme Court have authenticated my appointment. According to the law, I should be the army chief. When the post above me was vacated, it was a matter of procedure that the government would appoint me to the post as I was the next most senior general at the time.

Have you carried out the tasks of the army chief?
Even before I could begin, the president sent the letter to reinstate the previous army chief. But Rookmangud is acting out his role. I don't think it makes a difference whether I individually think what he is doing is right or wrong. There's a case filed against the president's move in the Supreme Court and the government's move is also under discussion. This is about the president, the government and law.

What were the army's actions after you were appointed?
The army is a disciplined, professional organisation. Why should they be disgruntled when I started service from the bottom and rose up the ranks by fair procedure to become the head? Rumours that the army is divided are false. The army will continue its service to the country no matter who heads it.

Doesn't it reflect badly on the army that it followed the president and didn't listen to the government?
This is concerned with the constitution and law. When there was disagreement and it came to a point where the government resigned, the issue became something above just posts and the army. This can only be solved through constitutional procedure. I hope there's no violence in the country, that the peace process reaches a conclusion and issues like this gain clarity in the new constitution.

What's the difference between being acting army chief and not?
Sometimes I feel that I am under constant surveillance. People who come to visit and my family also feel that way. I've become extremely cautious.

Who is the highest in the chain of command of the army?
Commander-in-chief. But I do not make decisions on who it is. This issue has gone out of the army's control.

Is it true you've been threatened with a court martial?
First of all, I need to have done something wrong to be taken to a court martial. This is also a rumour. If I am in the wrong, the government can decide on punishment. I am open to that.



LATEST ISSUE
638
(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013)


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