Nepal army chief says it will not betray democracy

NEPAL: The new chief of Nepal's army said on Sunday the army, criticised for the bloody crackdown on this year's protests against the king, was committed to democracy in the Himalayan nation.

The country's multi-party government formally appointed General Rukmangat Katuwal last week to head the 90,000-strong army replacing Pyar Jung Thapa who retires this month.

Leading human rights groups criticised his appointment.

"The army will not betray democracy," Katuwal told reporters after receiving the insignia of army chief from Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Sunday. Katuwal is among more than 200 politicians, generals and officials who have been questioned by a panel investigating the crackdown on mass protests which forced King Gyanendra to cede absolute power in April.

"The Nepal army is committed to democracy and peace and will remain active under the directives of the government," Katuwal said in Nepali.

Earlier on Sunday, a leading human rights group said both the Nepali government and the country's Maoist rebels were killing people and violating human rights despite a truce.

Kathmandu, Monday, Reuters