PLA integration: Army may begin process next week

KATHMANDU, JUN 25 - The Nepal Army (NA) is all set to start selecting former Maoist combatants to be inducted in the national army next week.

The commencement of the selection process will end the protracted stalemate on the fate of 3,123 former PLA combatants who opted for integration during the regrouping process in April.

The process will be the final step in mainstreaming the former rebel soldiers living in cantonments since the peace process began in 2006.

Preparations for the selection process come amid reports that former combatants putting up in 15 makeshift camps are increasingly frustrated over the delay in the integration process. No progress has been made since the handover of the combatants, cantonments and weapons to the NA on April 10.

According to officials, a selection board formed by the Special Committee and led by the prime minister is busy making final preparations to kick start the recruitment process. “The panel has recently concluded a series of meetings and is all set to begin the process as per the decision taken by the Special Committee two months ago,” said Ramindra Chhetri, the NA spokesperson. “Most probably, the selection process will begin next week.” Chhetri said plans are afoot to begin the process on July 1.

The selection board, comprising representatives from the NA and the Public Service Commission, is awaiting a response from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for the last two months on whether the date of birth mentioned in the citizenship or the one on the identity card issued by the United Nations Mission In Nepal (UNMIN) should be the basis for integration. “Parties have already agreed that the information verified by UNMIN would be the basis for integration. The seven-point deal signed on November 1 clearly says that the combatants would be given concessions on age and educational status based on information collected by UNMIN,” said Balananda Sharma, the Special Committee Secretariat Coordinator.

Sharma suggested that the PMO respond immediately so that the integration process can move forward.

According to officials in the Special Committee, around 500 to 700 combatants have backtracked from integration and expressed their wish to retire. If they go ahed with their plan, the number of combatants to be integrated in the Army will go below 2,500.

The NA plans to conduct the selection process for the rank of junior personnel in its seven regional barracks and for officers in its barracks in Bharatpur.

According to sources, the process for the lower ranks should be completed within seven days, but it could take a maximum of two weeks for the officers.

Sharma said the government must release funds for those combatants who no longer want to serve in the Army to ensure quick progress in the selection process.

Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/06/25/top-story/pla-integration-army-may-begin-process-next-week/356111/