Army mobilization only to bolster civil authority: NA

KATHMANDU, Aug 27: At a time when a section of political parties are trying to brush aside the need for deploying Nepal Army (NA) in different riot-hit areas in the wake of the Kailali incident, the NA on Thursday said that the mobilization of its personnel would only help strengthen the arm of civil authority.

Issuing a press statement, NA's Directorate of Public Relations said that Nepal Army was committed to maintain peace and security in the riot-hit areas as per the local governance act.The NA statement says that the army leaving barracks during difficult circumstances should not be viewed as deployment but as "an aid to civil authority."

"The army has been deployed following the request of the local administration as per Local Administration Act, 2028," the statement reads. "The deployment is meant to maintain peace, security, social harmony and national integrity."

Nepal Army also made clear that its soldiers will return to their barracks after their task is completed.

Earlier, the local administration had decided to mobilize NA at several areas after recognizing them as riot zones.

UCPN (Maoist), Madhesh-based parties, agitating Tharus, among others, have been expressing serious dissatisfaction over the deployment of Nepal Army in riot-hit zones.

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