KATHMANDU: Nepal Army on Thursday clarified that it has been "only assisting civil authorities" in riot-hit zones as per the Local Administration Act, 1971, and it is not a case of "army mobilisation" as per the Interim constitution.

After the government decision to mobilise army in riot-hit zones including various places of Kailali and Rautahat districts drew the flak from various walks of life, the Department of Public Relations (DPR) of Nepal Army (NA) issued a statement today and explained that it has been working as provisioned in the Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, 1971.

The Act has authorised local administration (District Administration Offices) to declare some parts under their jurisdiction riot-hit zones and seek help from the NA to maintain peace and order, according to the statement.

"Under the same provision, the Nepal Army has been deployed to maintain peace and order upon a written request of the local administration," the NA said.

The NA explained that it is not the case under Articles 144 and 145 of the Interim Constitution, according to which the President mobilises the Army upon recommendations from the National Defence Council and the Cabinet.

The NA "is committed to work under the Local Administration Act in an fair, reliable and professional fashion to protect life and property of general public, public and government property and to maintain social harmony," the statement said, adding it already has a plan to return to barracks after completion of the assignment.

The government on Monday had authorised some District Administration Offices of Tarai districts to mobilise army, immediately after at least seven police personnel and a child were killed by a protesting mob in Tikapur of Kailali.