At a time when the Nepali army is facing criticism for its dismal performance for the protection and promotion of human rights, the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said Saturday that it had taken action against 163 army men found guilty of rights violation.

According to the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of the RNA, the RNA had taken action against army personnel involved in 45 incidents.

About 51 army men got up to 10 years of imprisonment, 34 were suspended from service, 13 demoted in such case, the DPR said in a statement.

Likewise, grade has been stopped of five army men while 13 were barred from promotion.

The DPR stated that the Human Rights Cell of the RNA has investigated the incidents of rights abuses by the army men and taken action accordingly.

The RNA also said that it had asked all army men to act humanly even with enemies.

"The RNA has also included human rights chapter in its course for the protection of human rights," the RNA added.

Source: Xinhua