Himalayan News Service

Dhankuta, February 20

A number of Maoists, including company section commander of the 18th battalion (A) of the Mechi-Koshi seventh brigade, Gagan Bahadur Bharati, Maoist chief of the Bhirgaun VDC, Udaya Bahadur Basnyat, and vice-president of the Kirat National Liberation Front, Dhankuta, Tilak Prasad Rai, surrendered to the Shree No 2 brigade of the Royal Nepal Army, Dhankuta, today.

Bharati also handed over arms, including two SLRs, 156 live bullets, two 303 rifles, to the deputy chief of the brigade, Ananta Bahadur Thebe. The former Maoists said they were fed up with violent activities and wanted to lead a peaceful life henceforth.

Maoist cadres Bhuwan Singh Adhikary alias Saujanya, Rabindra Basnayat, Ganesh Bishwakarma alias Dinesh, Jit Bahadur Bishwakarma alias Roshan of the Aakhisala VDC, Nirmal Rai of Khoku VDC and Man Kumar Rai alias Shayam of the Tikma village development committeeof Bhojpur district also surrendered to the authorities.