Reasons why Chief is not sacked.

I don't want to subject myself to the churning wheels of a rumor mill, but with what's happening in Nepal, it is hard not to get involved. After all, in Bhupi Sherchan's word "Yo hallai hallako desh ho."

I cannot pass any comments about the lavish wedding ceremony the COAS had planned for his daughter. But why hasn't he been sacked yet certainly demands interesting theories; few of which we can find in online Nepali newspapers and discussion forums, primarily Sajha.

First of all why isn't he suspended or sacked yet? COAS is under Defense ministry and the King. As far as I know no COAS has been terminated of his duty by the government, that doesn't mean the government cannot sack the COAS. I believe the Rakshya Parishad/ Rakshya Mantralaya (under prime minister GP Koirala) could possibly take that action. So, the theory that he is not sacked by the government because the government cannot do so, is wrong (this claim is refutable). Unlike other security chiefs, Mr. Thapa has taken steps more wisely..more importantly during the restoration of the parliament. It might a little too hypothetical to assume that the present government had even established some terms of communications with the COAS before the restoration.

So we have some reasons there. However, the lavish wedding ceremony is certainly not a good PR showcase for either the COAS OR the government; the government is witty enough (unlike the king) to pull out from any "controversial" link in the chain. So, the reason has to be stronger.

Let's speculate now, what conversation could have gone in the Baluwataar niwas? We know the security chiefs were invited (but declined) to a meeting so nothing special there. The government (specially PM Koirala) wasn't bullied by the King, so it cannot be that the COAS scared the octogenarian leader with any kind of coup. It is highly possible though, that the meeting was held to confirm a goodwill relationship of the government with the armed forces and the decision not to sack the chief was made prior to the meeting. After all, moving forward the government realizes the military forces is an importance piece of puzzle in the politics of Nepal.

So, there you go,
The reasons COAS is not sacked YET (might be never):

Political Reason
Government wants to create a "good" relationship with the armed forces, realizing that it was one key piece last time they lost the power to the King.

The government wants to make sure no coup is possible. (After all, even though the majority of leaders might not favor a total repulblic state, it is possible the King might not even remain ceremonial).

Administrative Reason
It still may be true that Defense ministry and Rakshya Parishad alone cannot sack the COAS (King might be needed). I don't think this is true, but is a possibility; unless somebody knows for sure.

Unlike other security chiefs, the COAS took calculated steps during the restoration of the parliament/government.

Personal Reasons
COAS' term is about to end, possibly this year.

The wedding. Government can always wait; although this is a less likely reason.



He could be sacked or he could finish his term, but he certainly has given topics for discussion. Again, Yo hallai halla ko Desh Ho.