In Nepal, the Parliamentary State Affairs Committee has begun its probe in the selling of military antiques yesterday. The Committee has directed the Ministry of Defence to submit the detailed report of the selling of the weapons within 15 days. The investigation began after a Private TV Channel exposed how 430 tonnes of antique weapons were sold to an American collector .The weapons were sold off for around five million dollars in the year 2000 for the purchase of modern weaponry. Meanwhile in a petition signed by concerned citizens to the Prime Minister have said as citizens of the country, they have every right to know the truth about the motive behind the secret deal between the then government and military top brass of Nepal to dispose of the vast quantities of antique weapons. The letter said the weapons symbolize national pride and glory as well as the priceless heritage and want the matter to be thoroughly investigated. They have said and all those found responsible for selling the items of historical importance to be brought before the court and punished as per the existing laws of the land.