Thwarted privilege

It was a grudge that former Indian Army Chief JJ Singh held against the MEA which never cleared his Nepal trip for a traditional ceremony that would have conferred on him the rank of an honorary general of the Nepalese Army. However, the Nepalese Army chief, visiting India for the Indian Military Academy’s platinum jubilee celebrations, will take part in the tradition that symbolises the deep military ties between the countries. General Rukmangad Katuwal will be accorded the status of an honorary general of the Indian Army by the President at a special function in Delhi on Wednesday. The gesture is traditionally reciprocated by Nepal for every Indian Army Chief. Singh was probably the only post holder not accorded the honour simply because he could not visit the country wracked by political trouble. With the Nepal army chief coming over, the protocol officer at Army HQ can heave a sign of relief. It means General Deepak Kapoor will likely be allowed to visit Kathmandu for a reciprocatory ceremony.