Prachanda prepares for India

On Friday night , he along with four key ministers had dinner at the Army officers club where Army chief R Katawal, joined by senior generals, pledged full support to the Government, but there are visible discomfiture between the two on the issue of integrating Maoist combatants in the Armed Forces, something the present Government has set to implement within the coming six months. Apparently, this was for the first time that Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal met senior officers.

Prachanda also had a meeting with Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood. 8220;The issues that would figure during the Prime Minister8217;s visit in Delhi were discussed,8221; Sood told media persons outside the Prime Minister8217;s office.

Prachanda told the ambassador that review of the 1950 treaty on peace and friendship, and the crisis caused by the breach on the Kosi embankment would be discussed during the visit.

Prachanda will visit India on a five-day official trip beginning Sunday.