Rolpa, January 1:

Maoist commanders have reiterated their pledge to lasting peace and suitable integration of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with the Nepal Army.

But, if anybody tries to put a spanner in their works, then they won’t bid farewell to arms.

The cry for restructuring of the national army is growing louder at PLA cantonments across the country. Maoist leaders, too, are likely to face the PLA combatants’ wrath if the latter’s demands aren’t met.

“We will rebel if the Maoist-led government tries to make us act against our wishes. Besides, integration isn’t all about merger with the Nepal Army. The process calls for a change in security sector, which is key to a new Nepal,” said Suk Bahadur Roka ‘Sarad’, commander, PLA 5th Division at Dahawan in Rolpa. He made the PLA’s intention clear while interacting with mediapersons in the cantonment last week. He had a word of advice for his party leaders, who are heading the coalition government, as well.

“The restructuring can be managed better. Veteran army personnel can be pensioned off. There should also be a freeze on new recruitments. Significantly, our party needs to spell out the integration model,” he added.

Sarad urged the Maoists to pay heed to their needs, else the nation may brace for another round of bloody uprising.

Nek Bahadur Kunwar ‘Bibek’, vice-commander, PLA 5th Division, echoed his senior.

“PLA members, who are living in cantonments, are fighters. They were an integral part of the decade-long armed rebellion. Their patience will run out soon if they are treated like detainees. Consequently, the country will plunge into chaos,” he explained.

Kal Bahadur Nath ‘Mahaan’, commander, Jwar Smriti Brigade (JSB) — one of the four brigades under PLA’s 5th Division — gave vent to his frustrations. “It is tough on people like us, who are used to military way of life, to live in confinement for long. The nation can avail of our services. We can be deployed in infrastructure development,” he said.