POKHARA: Indian army chief Gen Deepak Kapoor today said that the government of India has been assisting Nepal in peace and development fronts.

Speaking at a programme organised in Indian pension distribution camp here in Pokhara today, Kapoor, who is on a four-day official visit to Nepal, assured that the Indian government would continue the assistance for the development of Nepal. Stating that the Indian government had been assisting Nepal for the development of education, health and other sectors, he added,’’Many Nepalis have been showing their bravery in the Indian Army.’’

“We always respect their bravery,’’ Kapoor, said, informing that 30,000 Nepalis have been serving in the Indian Army currently. While more than one lakh are pensioners. Gen Kapoor also handed over a cheque to the Ex-Indian armies. The amount will be used for purchasing four buses. Similarly, he also distributed scooters to the four disabled Indian ex-army, who were injured in Kargil war in India. He also provided financial assistance to the five children of Ex- armies for their study.

Meanwhile, Gen Kapoor inspected the school of the Nepali Army, located in Mustang district, this morning. Kapoor, who flown to Jomsom in a special NA helicopter, was engaged in a meeting for two hours in the school. However, media persons were restricted from collecting the news of the meeting. Kapoor who had reached Mustang at 9am returned to Kathmandu at around 12 noon.

The security was beefed up in Jomsom, Marfa, Tukuche and adjoining areas. A source claimed that spouse of CoAS Chhatraman Sing Gurung, Mustang CDO Umesh Kumar Dhakal and Captain Purnachandra Thapa were present at the meeting. However, the details of the meeting was not known.