Kathmandu, August 11:

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Pyar Jung Thapa, handed over all his responsibilities to his deputy, Chief of General Staff (CGS), Lieutenant General Rukmangat Katwal, today. Lt Gen Katwal will be officiating COAS, until the Cabinet at the recommendation of the Prime Minister, who is also the Defence Minister, appoints him as acting COAS.

“The handover was done in the presence of Principal Staff Officers at the Nepali Army Headquarters,” said a General, who was present on the occasion. Defence Secretary Bishnu Dutta Upreti confirmed that Lt Gen Katwal had become the “officiating COAS.”

“This is the first time in the Nepali Army’s history that a COAS would be getting facilities of a four-star general even after going on leave before his retirement as his second-in-command Katwal is yet to be appointed acting COAS,” said the General.