The possibility of Army intervention in the existing fluid political situation is something often discussed and speculated in the political circle, but the clear message coming from a Brigadier General that it should not be treated as a mere threat sent waves of fear and anguish across the country. Army Headquarters summoned Brigadier Dilip Shumsher Rana from Pokhara within hours of his statement that the Nepal Army would not remain quiet if the situation continued to deteriorate. Rana warned of military intervention while addressing officers in Pokhara, in the presence of the representatives of political parties. Rana was critical of the role of political parties, saying they should own the blame for the current state of affairs of the party."This is purely his personal opinion for which explanation is being sought. It does not represent the opinion of the Army in any way," the chief of the Army Staff, Rukmangat Katwal, told the Speaker of the House of Representatives Subhash Nembwang. Nembwang had summoned Katwal as the Army is under Parliament as per the new arrangement.According to the agreement between the Maoists and the Government, the Nepal Army, with a strength of 82,000, is under barrack like the Maoist guerrillas.
