Date:14/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061480011400.htm

International

Combatants integration creates rift

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) and United Marxist Leninist (UML) have said they cannot support the Maoists in forming the new government if the process of integrating the Maoists army - the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) - is not finalised beforehand.

The Maoists have been firm on integrating the PLA either en masse into the Army or as a separate body under a different mechanism. But the NC and UML have rejected the proposal, saying it would create complications in the future. NC leader Prakash Sharan Mahat said on Friday the Maoists cannot be merged into the Army en masse. He said the combatants should be integrated on the basis of their quality and ability.

UML leader Bhim Rawal is also against the integration proposal. On Friday, Mr. Rawal said only those who meet the criteria to join the Army could be integrated. Other employment opportunities should be brought for the combatants, he said.

However, Maoist leader Barsha Man Pun said: Its a conspiracy against the Maoists. He said the PLA and Army should be integrated to form a national Army. Disallowing the merger would be a breach of the peace accord the parties signed more than two years ago, he added.

The PLA consists of 19,600 combatants in 28 camps across the country.