Nepal army warned about abuses

KATMANDU, Nepal, July 8 (UPI) -- Nepal's army chief has warned soldiers against committing human rights abuses during defensive operations against Maoist rebels.

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Gen. Pyar Jung Thapa told his soldiers that the protection of human rights was crucial in the fight against the rebels, the BBC reported Thursday.

Thapa also said the army is investigating what he described as alleged extra-judicial killings and would punish those found guilty.

More than a hundred soldiers have been jailed, dismissed or demoted over the past three years.

Both the army and the rebels have been accused by national and international human rights groups of committing excesses. However, since King Gyanendra's takeover in February, the human rights groups have been more critical of government troops.

The king fired the coalition government Feb. 1, seizing direct powers and imposing restrictions on civil liberties. In reaction, India, Britain and the United States withdrew their military support.

In a recent change in policy, India and the United States have resumed the provision of non-lethal assistance, but the suspension of the supply of arms and ammunitions has remained. External military assistance is crucial for the Nepalese army to fight the rebels." Sphere: Related Content