Nepal's new Prime Minister Prachanda has reviewed the security situation in the country with the army chief, a meeting seen here as significant in view of the Maoists' efforts to integrate their combatants into the military. Army Chief Rukmangad Katuwal met Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' at his residence at Nayabazaar yesterday and briefed him about the latest security situation. Army headquarters sources said it was a "courtesy call". However, political observers regard it as meaningful in the present circumstances, when the Maoist chief was pushing for integration of the former rebels' People's Liberation Army (PLA) into the Nepal Army. The meeting also comes at a time when major political parties, including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi People's Rights Forum, have raised objection to the Maoists' decision to deploy PLA men for guarding Prachanda. The CPN-UML and MPRF, the coalition partners of the Maoists, have sought clarification from the Prime Minister in this regard, terming the act as "undermining the dignity and integrity" of the National Army. Katuwal, who was present during the swearingin ceremony of Prachanda at Sheetal Niwas on Monday, had left the venue without congratulating him. PTI
