1000-strong elite force to protect Nepal's first Prez

Kathmandu, July 19 (PTI) A 1000-strong elite force
drafted from Nepalese army will protect the country's first
President who will travel in a bullet proof car previously
used by ousted king Gyanendra.

Home Minister Krishan Sitoula said the government had
arranged the force under the command of Brigadier General for
the security of the president, also the head of the state.

Nepal Government's Secretary level special class staff
will head the presidential office, he said.

The government has also decided to convert Sheetal
Niwas, the current Foreign Ministry office, situated a
Maharajgunj in the outskirt of Kathmandu into president's
official residence.

A bullet proof car used by former king Gyanendra will
be the official vehicle to be used by the first president of
Nepal, officials said.

The government had acquired the vehicle from Gyanendra
before he exited his Narayanhity palace on June 11 following
the abolition of the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy by the
country's Constituent Assembly in May.