Activists reject Nepal army chief

The protests forced King Gyanendra to give up his direct rule

Rights activists in Nepal have demanded that the government should annul the appointment of the acting army chief.

Rights groups allege that Lt Gen Rukmangad Katuwal was responsible for excesses during April's crackdown against pro-democracy activists.

Gen Katuwal was named acting chief on Monday after his predecessor, Gen Pyar Jung Thapa, ended active duty.

More than 20 people were killed in the protests which resulted in King Gyanendra giving up direct rule.

Gen Thapa and Gen Katuwal have been questioned by a judicial commission looking into the role of the police and army during the mass protests.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing. The commission is yet to submit its report

Nearly two dozen rights activists affiliated to leading groups have also alleged that Gen Katuwal was responsible for serious rights violations when he was chief of the regional headquarter of the Nepali Army in mid-western region.

Gen Thapa began one month's leave last week, a tradition for the head of the army before retiring.

Since the king gave up direct rule a multi-party government has been in place.

After the restoration of parliament, the House of Representatives severed the king's ties with the army and changed the name of the Royal Nepalese Army to the Nepali Army.