PM quizzes CoAS on his “meeting” with King

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Monday asked Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rukmangad Katuwal about his ‘meeting’ with King Gyanendra.

According to news reports, the Prime Minister asked Katuwal why he had met with King Gyanendra without the permission of the government.

News reports on Sunday said CoAS Katuwal held a 'secret meeting' with King Gyanendra without the permission of government authority.

Prime Minister Koirala also received information about the salute the Nepal Army gave to the King during his visit to Dakshinkali temple recently. Likewise, the PM also asked CoAS about the old national anthem which was played while giving “royal salute” to King in Dakshinkali.

Prime Minister Koirala asked the army chief for clarification after the ministers during Sunday’s cabinet meeting raised the issue of the ‘secret meeting’ between Katuwal and King Gyanendra who has been stripped of all powers.

After a two-hour-long meeting, Katuwal refused to make any comment to the journalists.

In a statement, Nepal Army on Sunday refuted such media reports and also clarified that the CoAS doesn't have any practice of meeting anyone without prior permission from the concerned government authority.