Saturday, August 19 2006 12:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: A new military bill presented in Parliament by the Nepalese Government proposes sweeping changes in the control, use and mobilisation of the Army, which was once loyal to the King.

The bill, among other things, empowers the Cabinet to appoint and dismiss the Army chief at any time and also remove him from the membership of the National Security Council, which is responsible for mobilising the Army.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Bikram Nemwang yesterday presented the Military Bill at the House of Representatives on behalf of the Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

The bill also has a provision of taking approval of the Security Special Committee of the House within 30 days of the government's decision to mobilise the Army.