Updated on Monday, January 05, 2009, 00:00 IST

Kathmandu, Jan 05: Amidst sharp differences within the Nepalese political setup over the reconstitution of the Army, the country's Army Chief General Rukmangad Katuwal has warned the politicians not to drag the forces into any controversy.

Describing Army as "apolitical", the Army Chief yesterday said "Nepal Army is above politics, so it should not be brought into controversy."

The Army Chief's remarks came at a time when the Maoist led government's senior ministers including Prime Minister Prachanda have come out against a move to induct some 2,500 new soldiers into the Army.

The Maoists have openly raised objections on this new recruitment, which comes in the background of UN banning for the time being any enrolment of former Maoists guerrillas into the Army.

Nepali Army is committed for safeguarding territorial integrity, national unity and sovereignty, he said while addressing the newly trained cadres, according to sources in the Army Headquarters.

"Nepal Army will never fall into disputes and conspiracies; General Katuwal said during the ceremony at Bidur in Nuwakot district situated in the North-east of Kathmandu.

He said "Army will fight against all kinds of terrorism and extremisms."

He also asked people not to spread rumour over the regular recruitment process in the National Army.

Largest democratic Party Nepali Congress has welcomed the Army's move for recruiting new soldiers. Nepali Congress vice-president Ramchandra Poudyal has said that the party has no objection to the regular recruitment procedures adopted by the Nepal Army.

Bureau Report