The likes of Sharad count more than a hundred in Dang and are at present wandering to look for chances of sustainable work. A few have started construction works while some have even prepared to go overseas. Sharad thinks that those attempting a trip to India are of poor economic status like him. [break]
The disqualified former rebels have now hard times in mixing up in with the society. Sharad had joined the PLA without notice of his family. "When I returned as a disqualified one, my family was really perplexed," he said. "I am at home and really have nothing to work."
Not even knowing why he was released from the cantonments, he looks woeful when he explains about the days in open society. He says he is also hurt by the behavior of the Maoist leaders who paid little attention to him when he went to meet them afterward.
"Politics would never again be a subject of inclination all my life," went on Sharad. "I am just as fed-up."
For Mani Ram Chaudhary of Sonpur in Deukhuri, the new job of carpentry together with his local friends is more than satisfactory. "They persuaded us with huge ´dreams´, but did little after our release from the cantonments," he said.
Hemanta Kumal says he has the worst ever days in his life after relegating from the cantonments. "Nobody now gives me a slight nod but I feel so bad when my peers make a fun of me," he said.
Durga Dutta Paudel, chief of local Cantonment Management Office, says the disqualified combatants need to be rehabilitated in the society with a special package to impart them useful skills for life. "UNMIN had asked the government to offer the package but yet to no avail," he added.
However, local Maoist leaders claim that no former combatants have approached them with any complaint. "They are locally in contact with the party and no complaint has been recorded, " said Nirmal Acharaya, secretary of UCPN (Maoist), Dang.
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