Prachanda says Indo-Nepal 1950 treaty needs to be reviewed

Email this page Print this page

The Nepalese premier, whose recent visit to Beijing had been perceived as a snub to New Delhi, said he would visit India before going to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly, without specifying any dates.

However, the foreign ministry sources said the tentative schedule for a visit was Sept 17-18.

In the interview, Nepal's first Maoist prime minister indicated that he would avoid any showdown with the country's still powerful army.

Though Prachanda had serious differences with the Army Chief Rukmangad Katuwal, he said he had no plans to sack him.

"As long as any one including Army, police and other officials remain committed to people's mandate on democracy, peace and change, no one needs to feel insecure. There will not be prejudice against any one," he said.

Stressing on restraint at this moment, the prime minister said that Nepal would suffer "if we make any move that is prejudiced".

On drafting 20,000 Maoist combatants now staying in cantonments into the Army, Prachanda said his cadres would be given freedom to chose to return home or remain in the profession.