Kathmandu: The UCPN-Maoist supporters on Sunday took out a victory rally in the capital in support of the cabinet’s decision to oust Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Rookmangud Katwal.

The demonstrators carrying banners and party flags shouted anti-Katwal, anti-congress and anti-CPN (UML) slogans.

Speaking to Maoist supporters before taking out the rally, YCL Kathmandu district in-charge, Sagar challenged all political parties that were against Katawal’s ouster.

Maoist cadres also clashed students affiliated with Nepal Students’ Union (NSU) who were demonstrating in front of Tri-Chandra College in opposition to the Maoist’s unilateral decision. Riot police had to intervene when YCL cadres attempted to set on fire office of the Free Student’s Union. Similar clashes occurred in Gongabu, Putalisadak, Bagbazaar and Chabahil. Vehicular movement was disrupted for several hours while the clashes occurred.

President of the Federation of All Nepal Trade Union, Saligram Jamakattel, openly warned President Ram Baran Yadav not to go against the government decision. “If the president did anything unconstitutional, he would have a fate similar to that of former king Gyanendra Shah”, he said.

He also dubbed UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, KP

Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba as “cadres of Katwal”.