KATHMANDU, June 30: Former People´s Liberation Army (PLA) chief Nanda Kishor Pun has demanded that the government and political parties start the integration process as early as possible, saying the delay in starting the process has spread frustration among the combatants in cantonments.
Talking to Republica on Friday, Pun said the combatants have been exerting "tremendous" pressure on him for an early start of integration process, which was supposed to begin immediately after completion of the second phase of categorization in mid-April. Altogether 3,123 combatants have been waiting for integration into the national army.
"They have been pressing to start the process as soon as possible," said Pun, adding, "The frustration among combatants has soared up due to delay."
Sources told Republica that handover of the cantonments to the Nepal Army on April 10 has further added to the frustration among combatants.
The demand of the former PLA chief to start the process has come at a time when Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has already said that the integration process would start from July 3. Despite the government´s plan to proceed with the process, the prime minister is yet to bring the opposition parties on board.
Saying that the integration process would move smoothly, the former PLA chief also said the combatants are desperately waiting an end to their uncertain future.
"All comrades will participate in the integration process and they will be integrated in the national army," said Pun, "I urge all comrades not to run after rumors."
- REPUBLICA