Former PLAs left high and dry in Kaliali

SHIVARAJ BHATTA

DHANGADHI: Former UCPN-Maoist fighters opting for integration into the Nepali Army at Kailali’s Talband-based Seventh Division today condemned the party leadership for deserting them after the integration process was

halted.

Seventh Division platoon vice-commander Ganeshraj Yogi complained that Maoist fighters had been stranded after the integration process came to a halt. They had arrived at the camp after two days’ walk from Dadeldhura.

Yogi lamented they were having a tough time looking for apartments at Masuriya and its adjoining areas. He, who looked visibly angry, complained that they were left in the lurch after the integration process was foiled.

Earlier, they were informed that the process would conclude by July 10. He bemoaned that combatants hailing from faraway places were not provided with the past two months’ salary and allowances.

Maoist fighters from Acch-am, Bajhang, Bajura, and Darchula had turned up at the Seventh Division to be integrated into NA. They expressed exception to age, education and ranks set by the Army for the integration.

After the PLA Seventh Division was handed over to the Nepali Army, Maoist fighters opting for integration had left their homes. “We are having a tough time as the camp does not have provision for food and shelter,” Yogi complained. He accused the party leadership for playing with their future. The irate combatants have warned of boycotting the integration process.

Around 150 fighters, who had arrived at Masuriya, have been hit hard by the lack of food and shelter, another former fighter Laxman Baniya informed. Irked former combatants said they would organise a press conference and make public their protest programmes.

Baniya said that former PLA combatants feel they were let down both by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and UCPN-Maoist chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal.