Nepal Army, which has been deployed to aid the civilian authority in riot-hit areas at the request of the local administration for over a month in Tikapur, Kailali, is set to return to the barracks on Monday.

As decided by the Central Security Committee led by Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam on August 24, the Army was asked to assist district authorities in Kailali. Following a situation assessment on Sunday, the District Security Committee decided to send the Army back. The study found the security situation in Kailali normal.

The Army move was as per the Local Administration Act-1971, which authorises the CDO to seek its help when any region is declared riot-hit. The Army wanted to return as there was criticism from several quarters which gave the military leadership a feeling that prolonged deployment would drag it into a controversy. Recalling the Army is a key demand of the agitating parties before talks. However, the Army’s presence in  other riot-affected districts will continue, said NA spokesman Brig Gen Tara Bahadur Karki.