PLA, security forces on high alert

CHITAWAN: Nepal Police, Nepali Army and the combatants of People's Liberation Army are on a high alert in Chitwan district, following the government's decision to replace Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal with his deputy Kul Bahadur Khadka.

Rupak, chief of the media department of the PLA's Third Division in Chitwan, said they were on a high alert keeping in view the possible untoward incidents. "We are fully hopeful that the government's decision will be translated into reality. But we need to be attentive to thwart any untoward incident," he added. He further said that the PLA combatants would enter the capital city within two hours if needed.

However, Binit Bikram Shah of the First Rifle Battalion in Bharatpur, refused to comment. He, however, said they would not be affected by the government's decision.

District Police Office, Chitwan, has also directed its personnel so stay on high alert. Superintendent of Police at the Chitwan DPO Gyan Bikram Shah said he had received direction to stay on high alert.

Meanwhile, the Seventh Division of the PLA in Kailali has welcomed the decision. "We have taken the decision normally," commander of the Seventh Division Mahendra Bahadur Shahi 'Prajwol' said. He also said the combatants under the division had been directed to stay on high alert. "We are always on high alert. We need to stay alert to protect Nepal from upcoming untoward incidents," he said. He also informed that no rally and programme were held to welcome the government's decision. "The government has taken a good decision. Now, it will solve all political crisis," he added. He also said only the regressive forces were opposing the government's decision. Prajwol also said the PLA combatants would not demonstrate on the street.

According to our Nawalparasi correspondent, assistant commander of the PLA's Fourth Division Ramlal Roka 'Madan' has also directed the PLA combatants to stay on high alert.