KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Oli has claimed that elements seeking to spread communal sentiments are active in the country.

Addressing the inaugural function of the Nepal Army Division Commander’s Coordinating Conference on Sunday, PM Oli, who is also the Defense Minister, said that the forces for dividing the people are active.

Referring to the Netra Bikram Chand alias Biplav-led outfit, the Prime Minister said that the elements that are dividing the people are frequently active.

During his address, Prime Minister Oli mentioned that there could be infiltration within the Nepal Army.

“The army itself should be vigilant about possible infiltration,” he added. “Especially, higher leadership should be vigilant. That is the message I want to convey today.”

He also applauded the role of the Nepal Army in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister appreciated the support provided by the national army from the center to the province and local governments in the national fight against COVID-19.

“The entire management work of Nepalis returning home by air and land from abroad, the management of quarantine and isolation centers, the work of raising public awareness about COVID-19 through various means is also noteworthy,” he stressed.

The Prime Minister said that the government also highly appreciates the work of the military personnel who conducted the funeral of the civilians who died due to COVID-19 infection.