Special Committee member Barshaman Pun, who is also the finance minister, said Army Chief Chhatraman Singh Gurung and high-ranking army officers made the request during a meeting of the Special Committee on Tuesday. [break]
The army generals argued that decision on these two issues were required to begin the integration process. However, NC and CPN-UML representatives argued that creation of posts for combatants in the army and the leadership of the directorate should be decided only after the actual number of the combatants joining the army became clear.
"These decisions should be taken after we know the exact numbers," said NC representatives on the committee Ram Sharan Mahat.
Pun Pun said that the government would decide on the posts and the leadership of the directorate very soon.
During the meeting, Acting Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission Kayo Devi Yami was also invited as she will head a committee to select the combatants to join the army. According to Pun the Special Committee told her that combatants convicted of serious human rights violations would be ineligible to join the army and should not be considered.
"But those who have been facing human rights violations allegation will be considered eligible. The prime minister told the meeting that there are allegations against him also," said Pun about the understanding reached in the Special Committee.
He further said that those with minor injuries will also be considered eligible to join the Nepal Army.
Asked whether the low number of the combatants opting voluntary retirement would affect the structure of the directorate, Pun said, "The number has nothing to do with the structure of the directorate."
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