OVERVIEW OF TUESDAY'S DEVELOPMENTS

OVERVIEW OF TUESDAY’S DEVELOPMENTS
Kathmandu, 11 April: Maoist fighters’ regrouping process was halted today as well at different PLA cantonments across the country due to insecurity following clashes between the fighters, The Himalayan Times reports from Damak and Chitwan.

A clash had flared up for almost four hours at Ilam’s Chulachuli-based PLA First Division on Monday night. After the incident, commander Yam Bahadur Adhikary, Hari Kumar Shrestha and Sangram left the First Division this morning.

The quarrel erupted after the combatants pro-tested and chanted slogans demanding return of their savings. An APF team-led by SP Rajendra Shakya from APF Pathibhara rea-ched the PLA cantonment and took over the security of the First Division cantonment yesterday night.

An internal meeting of the PLA combatants today decided to provide the saving from the division’s fund after the regrouping process was completed. Jamindra, a combatant, said that the decision was made after the fighters staged protest at the PLA First Division. According to him, it was decided to pay Rs 8,000 to each fighter and some extra bucks to other fighters as per their ranks.

Some fighters were injured when the fighters clashed accusing the commanders of indulging in financial irregularities. The entry of the Maoist fighters disqualified by the UNMIN at Chitawan’s Saktikhor-based Third PLA Division had added woes to its security. More than 25 disqualified PLA fighters have been taken under control at the cantonment.

Balananda Sharma, coordinator of Special Committee said that the unexpected arrival of disqualified fighters posed challenge to the security. He argued that internal rift within the Maoist combatants had impeded the regrouping process.

Injured and differently-abled fighters today staged a sit-in in front of the office of SC demanding to ensure the medical service after their exit from the Shaktikhor PLA cantonment.

Regrouping process at Kailali’s PLA Seventh Division could not start due to internal dispute within the fighters. At satellite camp of Kailali’s Masuriya VDC under the PLA Seventh Division, clash had ensued between those opting voluntary retirement and choosing the integration. Four huts were demolished in the course of clash at the Badaipur camp.

Also dispute among the Maoist fighters halted the regrouping process at Nawalparasi’s PLA Fourth Division some hours after it began. Sadananda Kurmi, member of the SC, said that they stopped the regrouping process after distributing pay cheque to 25 fighters.

Some fighters opting voluntary retirement had expressed displeasure after the commanders forced them for integration at PLA Fourth Division at Nawalparasi’s Jhyaltungdanda. Conflict erupted between the fighters. Three vehicles and one hut were set on fire in the course of clash.

Likewise, though the regrouping process began at Rolpa-based PLA Fifth Division yesterday, it was halted today fearing clash among the fighters. Brigade Comm-ander Aajad said 94 fighters opted for voluntary retirement at the Fifth Division.

Tension ran high at Surkhet’s Dasarathpur PLA Sixth Division. Task of regrouping was halted after distributing pay cheques to 39 fighters opting for voluntary retirement. Regrouping was obstructed at Sindhuli’s Dudhauli-based PLA Second Division as well due to internal dispute among the combatants
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