NA sets up a separate battalion for Madhesis As per the decision of the government made in July last year, the Nepali Army (NA) has set up two separate battalions with the objective of including Madhesi and Kirat community. According to NA spokesperson Brigadier General Ananta Thebe, the Naya Sabuj battalion has been set up at Jaleshwore of Dhanusha to include Madhesi community whereas Ripumardini battalion has been set up at Hile of Dhankuta to include Kirat community, reports Nepal Samacharpatra daily. Thebe informed that both battalions were already in operation. In the Naya Sabuj battalion, people from only Madhesi community will be recruited whereas in Ripumardini battalion, people from only Kirat community will be recruited. NA spokesperson Thebe added that there are over 50 indigenous communities working within the organisation of the NA. He said there are over 7000 army personnel from Madhesi community currently working in the NA. Likewise, there are over 6000 army personnel from Dalit community within it. The news report about the formation of a separate battalion for Madhesi community has come at a time when groups like Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) have accused that Madhesi community were not included in administration, police and army organisation. nepalnews.com sd Jan 23 07