KATHMANDU, Dec. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- With Britain continued embargo onmilitary assistant to Nepal, two British manufactured Islander aircraft of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) have been grounded at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

    "We are not able to fly the Islanders at the moment, as we don't have spareparts needed to carry out regular maintenance," a highly placed army source told reporters here on Thursday.

    Britain has till date gifted two Islander aircraft and two Russian made MI 17 helicopters to be used for transportation purposes, the army source added on condition of anonymity.

    The Islander aircraft delivered last year, according to the RNA officer, were being used for lifting troops, surveillance, and for reconnaissance purposes.

    "The Islanders can also be used for providing relief at the time of natural disasters, including forest fires, and for monitoring wildlife in national parks," he said.

    Although Britain delivered some bomb disposal equipment to the RNA last August as a humanitarian aid, other military assistance from Britain continues to remain suspended.

    The United States and India, the largest military suppliers to Nepal, also continue to suspend their lethal military assistance to Nepal after February 1 royal takeover, according to reports.

    Nepal is seeking other countries to get military supply, according to the army source. Enditem