Nepal Army has said its attention was drawn to media reports on the charity show ‘Amarpanchhi’ organised by the Nepal Army Wives Association (NAWA) in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The Army was dragged into a controversy after one of its generals received Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Malaika Arora, the other performer, was also received by senior officials from Nepal Army at the airport on Friday.

In a statement on Monday, the NA’s Directorate of Public Relations asked the people “not to be misled” by the reports. “NAWA organised the fundraiser with an aim to support the earthquake victims. Nepal Army, in coordination with other security agencies, extended help for the security of the performers and the audience,” read the statement.

The statement also said that TIA’s “appropriate sections” were used by the Army in the past as well without affecting the airport’s sensitivity and security practices. The note added officials from NA’s Engineering Directorate are present at the TIA along with other security agencies for the security of dignitaries.

“It’s obvious that Army personnel are on uniform while executing their duty at assigned places,” the NA said. The personnel mobilised for the ‘Amarpanchhi’ show were office bearers of the NAWA and members of the event management team.