Kathmandu: The 90,000-strong Nepal Army is unlikely to accept the Parliament's decision to curtail the powers of King Gyanendra.
Arguments have already started erupting at the military headquarters here, days after the 205-member Parliament unanimously resolved to strip the king of his royal powers and take over the control of the Army.
The nine-point declaration is part of an effort by an alliance of seven political parties to clear obstacles to the formation of a new constitution.
It remains to be seen whether the military will acquiesce to the changes, particularly since the declaration overrides current constitutional provisions, including the king's title of commander-in-chief of the Army, and leaves him with only ceremonial powers, reports the Christian Science Monitor (CSM).
Prime Minister G.P. Koirala had reportedly assured the Army, whose name has been changed from the Royal Nepalese Army to the Nepal Army by Parliament’s resolution, earlier that the king's title as commander in chief, as well as his right to choose an heir would be protected.
Now, the resolution has given full authority to the prime minister to appoint the commander-in-chief of the Army, and to mobilize it upon approval from parliament.
Henceforth, all security wings of the state are under direct control of parliament; and all executive rights of the state are vested on the government.
Hints of unhappiness in the barracks notwithstanding, the new resolution has broad political support.
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