KATHMANDU: Lieutenant General Kul Bahadur Khadka retired yesterday from the Nepali Army (NA) after serving it for 38 years. The last month of his illustrious career was filled with controversy and drama. He also became the Acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) for only a day. He got a chance to be the CoAS’s legal advisor many times. Khadka was the instructor of the Battalion Commander course and the Staff College, which is the premier institution of the NA. He was selected for the prestigious National Defence Course when he was just a Colonel. A day after his retirement, Khadka spoke to The Himalayan Times about his experience in the NA. Excerpts from the interview: THT: How are you spending your time after retirement? Khadka: I woke up in the morning at 5:30 and went out for a morning walk. Once I came back home, I spent time with my family members. I want to take some time off, especially after the recent events. I shall visit my friends and relatives in Lamjung. I want to help a school for poor children there in whatever way I can. THT: How did your family react to this entire episode? Khadka: They stood by me like a rock during the crisis. Else, I would have broken down. I’m fortunate to have such understanding family members. THT: What are your plans for the coming days? Khadka: I’m yet to make any concrete plan. I shall think about it later. As for now, I want to take rest and spend quality time with my family. THT: What about the allegations that you were colluding with the Maoists? Khadka: I have nothing to do with the Maoists. The Maoist government tried to sack the present CoAS Rookmangud Katawal and I was next in the line to become the chief of the NA. I was dragged into the controversy for no rhyme or reason. THT: Will you move court to clear the allegations? Khadka: I am not guilty. All the charges are baseless. I shall move court to prove my innocence. If I don’t take legal action, then it will be dubbed escapism and betraying my nation. I shall not let that happen at any cost. THT: What was your most interesting experience during your long career in the army? Khadka: On May 3, when the government appointed me as the Acting CoAS for a day. I thought that I would do many things for the nation and the NA. The national army is in dire need of several reforms. But overnight, my position was in jeopardy. What happened to me was also the result of the problems within our system, which is plagued by too much politics. THT: What event saddened you the most? Khadka: All these allegations against me. People would go to the Nepali Congress leaders and tell them I was a Maoist. Then, they would go to the Maoists and tell them that I was a Nepali Congress sympathiser. The same set would go to India and portray me as an ISI agent.