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Let's put 2 armies under single command: Nepalese Maoist leader

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, July 1, IRNA
Nepal-Maoist-Armies
Nepalese Maoist supremo Prachanda has proposed to put the Nepali Army and "People's Liberation Army" under the same command after formation of an interim government.

Talking with officials of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists on Thursday in Lalitpur, the top rebel leader floated the idea.

"We are ready to put the armed forces of both sides under a single command when a government is formed as per the new interim statute," the Maoist leader said.

"The Prime Minister of the day will be the supreme commander of the combined army," Kantipur quoted the leader as saying from Kathmandu.

He argued that it was the only way to resolve the "two armies" problem during the transitional period.

"There will be a joint committee comprising Nepali Army generals and PLA commanders, but camps will be separate."

He said it was a process toward creating a "national army." Referring to pressures coming from all sectors of society to settle the question of arms before joining the interim government, Prachanda said he had put the proposal forward as early as June 16 during a meeting with leaders of the ruling seven-party alliance.

"We will reach a conclusion soon after taking up the matter with alliance leaders," said Prachanda.

Another senior Maoist leader, Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai, was also present on the occasion.

Prachanda termed the concept of inviting foreigners to settle arms and armies as "meaningless," saying "Why do we need to invite foreigners? Let's try to manage it by ourselves first. If there is any technical problem, we can invite them later on."

When journalists asked him if his proposal was a response to the widespread call for him to give up the post of PLA supreme commander, Prachanda said: "No, I just wanted to make the way clear for solution."

He said he and Dr Bhattarai came back to Kathmandu as they smelled of some conspiracy against the 8-point agreement.

"But signs are positive now."

The rebel leader also said contentious issues like the people's court, Maoist local governments and display of arms by the rebel army will be settled once the interim government is in place.

"If we give up our stance on these issues, there will be no bargaining card left with us."

He also admitted that "some mistakes" had been committed by rebel cadre at the local level.

Prachanda expressed disappointment over the debate on the interim constitution's drafting committee and the "unnecessary" delay in starting the draft work.

"A five-page document based on the 25-point code of conduct and 8-point agreement is enough, but there are attempts to make a 25-member committee."

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