E-Kantipur

BHAKTAPUR, MAR 14 - Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Saturday defended Chief of Army Staff Gen. Chhatra Man Singh Gurung’s stand against group entry of Maoist combatants into the Nepal Army.

Gen. Gurung had said on Friday that the national army can accept in its fold only those combatants, who meet its established criteria. He had warned that integration of “politically-indoctrinated” individuals into the Army could divide the institution and lead to national disintegration.

“The Army has not said it will not accept the integration of Maoist combatants,” Nepal told reporters after a meeting with Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party (NMKP) Chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe at the latter’s residence in the afternoon. The prime minister said the combatants should pass the national army’s muster if they want to join the institution. Nepal went on to add that the government is ready to integrate Maoist combatants into the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, provided they meet the criteria of those institutions.

He said UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has not opposed the proposal on integration of 3,000 combatants into security forces.

Bijukchhe and Nepal also found time to discuss the constitution-drafting and peace processes. The NMKP chief reiterated his party’s support to the Nepal-led government and said the timely promulgation of the constitution depends on collective efforts of the major parties. Bijukchhe also demanded the revival of local bodies.

Posted on: 2010-03-14 08:21

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