Amid protests by human rights groups, the Nepal government has appointed Lt Gen Rukamangat Katuwal as the Chief of Army Staff.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Tuesday.

The confirmation of the acting Nepal army chief comes amid opposition by rights groups who have accused Katuwal of atrocities, including torture and extra-judicial killings, during the fight against Maoist insurgency.

He was also questioned recently by an inquiry commission about his alleged role in suppressing the pro-democracy agitation in April. Twenty-five people were killed during the movement.

Katuwal replaces General Pyarjung Thapa who is set to retire on September 9. He was appointed as acting chief last month after Thapa went on a traditional month-long leave before retirement.

The government also appointed three other heads of security forces -- Om Bikram Rana would be Inspector General of Nepal Police, Basu Dev Oli the chief of Armed Police Force and Dhan Singh Karki the head of National Investigation Department.