"We are likely to start the categorizations in the cantonments in Chitwan and Makwanpur on Friday. But categorization is to begin in all cantonments from Saturday," said Balananda Sharma, coordinator of the secretariat under the Special Committee, over the phone from Chitwan, where he is leading a categorization team. [break]
The categorization teams remain busy setting up tents where they will be staying until the categorization is completed. They also remained engaged in setting up a computer system, electricity supply and other logistics required for the smooth categorization of over 19,000 Maoist combatants who have been languishing in 28 cantonments, including 21 satellite cantonments.
Sharma said his team held a discussion with commanders at the cantonments on the categorization process. Janak Bista, spokesperson at Shaktikhor cantonment, said the discussion focused on ensuring a smooth categorization. The meeting decided that all forms that the combatants have to fill for categorization will be distributed Friday.
As the categorization process is beginning Saturday in all cantonments, combatants in different cantonments are busy these days holding discussions on their future, according to news dispatches from our correspondents Dil Bahadur Chhatyal, Raju Adhikari, Chadni Hamal and Kalendra Sejuwal.
Meanwhile, combatants in different cantonments told Republica that the standard norms relating to education has discouraged them from opting for integration.
They were of the view that their current education level should be recognized for purposes of integration. The Special Committee is taking into account their education level at the time of their verification by the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) in 2007.
Commanders at the Seventh Division said even combatants keen for integration in the national army have now become indifferent because their current education level is not going to be valued. They said they are likely to opt for voluntary retirement instead.
"The sacrifice and dedication of our old comrades have been undermined by the decision to recognize only the education level at the time of verification," said battalion commander at the Seventh Division at Talbanda, Tanka Timsena.
"This issue has been a matter for discussion in the cantonment."
Man Bahadur Gharti Magar, battalion commander, said he would opt for voluntary retirement if dignified integration is not assured.
"If the integration is not dignified, I will choose voluntary retirement despite my interest in joining the army," he said, adding that he plans to join politics after he takes voluntary retirement.
PLA close to Baidya threaten disruption
Meanwhile, combatants loyal to Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya said they would not take part in the integration and would disobey the PLA chain of command and party orders. The Baidya faction has already issued a public statement asking the PLA not to take part in the integration, which they say is disrespectful.
Injured and disabled combatants close to Biadya said they would boycott the process if their demands were not met. They have demanded schemes ensuring their secure future.
"We do not obey any decision that makes the future of the injured and disabled dark," said battalion commander Prem Bayak, adding "We will disturb the categorization process if our demands are not met."
Meanwhile, commanders close to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai held a meeting with disgruntled commanders close to Baidya in a bid to persuade them to take part in integration.
But PLA close to Baidya in the sixth division said they would not disrupt the process despite their disagreement with the management process.
"This agreement [of November 1] is not an outcome of the People´s War, it is not good to disrupt the process for the time being," said Neb Bahadur Kunwar, vice commander at the sixth division, who is close to Baidya.
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