However, uncertainty still prevails as the combatants may disrupt the process if the Maoist leadership fails to meet their demands. The combatants have been demanding recognition of their present rank and letter of appreciation in recognition of their "contribution" to the country. [break]
Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai had called the commanders at the Shaktikhor cantonment after they did not allow the process to begin. The process began after Dahal and Bhattarai assured them of addressing their concerns through discussion with other political parties.
But the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are unlikely to change their position on recognizing the contributions of the Maoists combatants in the form of letter of appreciation.
“We have already made it clear that no certificate would be given to people involved in any political movement. We are against giving letters of appreciation. Maoist party can give such letters,” said Bhim Rawal, CPN-UML representative on the Special Committee.
Balananda Sharma, convener of the secretariat under the Special Committee, said the process of giving voluntary retirement to 7,365 combatants has begun in the cantonments based in Chitwan and Nawalparasi.
He said the process could not start in the cantonments based in Ilam and Sindhuli though the secretariat teams were ready to give voluntary retirement as the commanders were absent. Similarly, the process would begin in the cantonments in Rolpa and Surkhet from Saturday, according to Sharma.
The secretariat team sent to the cantonment in Kailali could not reach there in time to start the process.
The teams in Chitwan and Nawalparasi had planned to start the process before Friday noon but could not due to obstructions from the combatants. In Chitwan, the combatants opting for integration did not allow the process to begin demanding that their present rank in the Maoist army be recognized, while disabled combatants in Nawalparasi obstructed the process demanding future security.
“We allowed the process to begin to show our commitment to the peace process but we will continue to fight for security of the disabled friends and letter of appreciation," said Udaya Chalaune, Vice-commander of Chitwan-based cantonment.
Now the combatants can leave the cantonments any time they wish before February 13, said Sharma.
“We have told them they will not get monthly allowances and ration from February 13,” said Sharma when asked how long they will be allowed to be remain in cantonments after they are given voluntary retirement. Each combatant has been given Rs 0.5 million to 0.8 million under the retirement package, depending on their ranks in the Maoist army. They have been given account payee checks that they can deposit in their accounts in Nepal Bank Limited, Nepal Banijya Bank and Nepal Agricultural Development Bank.
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