Kathmandu: Nepal's Army chief has underlined the need to keep the forces free from any political ideology in an apparent opposition to a large-scale merger of the Maoist combatants into the country's military as part of the landmark peace deal here.

The army is people's army, so it should be kept free from ideology or political motivation, General Rukmangad told mediapersons, responding to a question about the possibility of merging the Maoists People's Liberating Army with the Nepal Army as part of the peace deal in the Himalayan state.

The army should be kept neutral and impartial as it is paid by the people, Katuwal said ahead of flying to China yesterday on "a good will visit". "Nepal Army is the national army. Its primary concern is to safeguard the country's national unity and integrity," he said.

The Maoist leadership has sought the integration of their combatants with the Nepal Army before the landmark constituent assembly polls are held by mid-April. General Katuwal highlighted the need to keep in mind the long-term impact while seeking solution to the problems dogging the country.

"While seeking solution to any problem, we should always be careful that it will not trigger another serious problem," the General said. Katuwal had visited India last month, where he had sought resumption of military supply to Nepal that had been halted after the direct rule of King Gyanendra.

A people's movement in April 2006 forced the king to restore parliament, which later stripped him of most of his powers. The Maoists declared a ceasefire and entered parliament in January 2007 and joined the government three months later. 

Source : PTI