Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Gurung is new Army chief


General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung has formally taken up the post of new CoAS, the top most post of Nepal Army, on Wednesday

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, as the Supreme Commander of Nepal Army,offered Gurung the insignia and administered oath of office and secrecy amidst a special function at Shital Niwas, the President's office today afternoon.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, government ministers, top officials, army generals and dignitaries also attended the ceremony.

Gurung is scheduled to assume his duties at the NA headquarters shortly. Gurung is the first person from the ethnic community to take over the mantle of new CoAS in NA's history.

He is also the first Army chief to be appointed by the President. The previous Army chief Rookmangud Katawal had received the insignia from then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who was acting as the interim head-of-state.

The government had on August 22 recommended to the President Gurung's name for the post of CoAS due to his seniority.

Gurung had been working as acting CoAS after Katawal went on a customary month long leave before his retirement on Tuesday.

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