Maoist combatants cannot be integrated into Nepal Army, says Koirala

Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the Maoists Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) combatants cannot be integrated into the Nepali Army (NA).

Kathmandu, Jan 8 : Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the Maoists' People's Liberation Army (PLA) combatants cannot be integrated into the Nepali Army (NA).

He said that an alternative should be explored regarding the issue of their integration, reported the Nepalnews.

He insisted that the national army should not be politicised.

Maoist PLA could be inducted into the security sector by forming Industrial Security Force or by integrating it into any other security force, Koirala told a delegation of journalists.

He also hinted that the Maoist combatants, who want to opt for overseas employment, should be allowed to do so with a "high priority".

Koirala defended Nepal Army Chief General Rookmangud Katawal's recent remark, which rejected the suggestion of integration of Maoist combatants into the Army.

Much to the annoyance of the Maoists, General Katawal recently said that politically indoctrinated combatants would not be integrated into the army.

Koirala supported General Katawal's statement and said there was no reason for anyone to raise any kind of objection on his remarks.

ANI