Nepalese Maoist leader proposes merging of gov't, rebel armies
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Kathmandu, June 25, IRNA
Nepal-Maoists-Army
Nepalese Maoist leader Prachanda has proposed merging of the armies of rebels and the government ahead of planned constituent assembly elections.
"The Maoist Army and the Nepal Army could be merged before constituent assembly elections after the formation of an interim government through an interim constitution," a PTI report said here quoting Prachanda, alias Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Earlier, the Maoist chief had accused the Nepal Army of "killing people and murdering Nepalese women."
Objecting to his allegations, the Nepal Army Sunday said it had always remained and would continue to remain committed to protecting the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and dignity of the people.
Prachanda also said the issue of arms management could be discussed between the Maoists and government.
Reacting to his proposal of merging the two armies, UN Assistant Secretary General Kul Chandra Gautam said at an interaction program here that it would be problematic.
The Maoist proposal to merge the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Nepal Army seems problematic on two grounds: first, it appears objectionable to have an ideologically indoctrinated contingent loyal to one political party become part of a national army and, second, "at a time when we are trying to downsize the army, expanding it by adding additional contingents seem illogical."
"Nevertheless, since we have the reality of existence of PLA and there is need to accommodate them as part of the peace process, creative solutions should be found, especially if Maoists renounce armed conflict as a legitimate method for bringing political change in a democracy," he said.
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