"We had initiated investigations on the matter following media reports accusing Nepali Maoists of giving training to Indian Maoists," Basnet told Sajha Sawal, a weekly television talk-show, on Wednesday, adding, "our investigations conducted at various levels did not find the claim to be true."[break]
The comment of the APF chief comes at a time when the Ministry of Home Affairs is carrying out an investigation into the Indian allegation.
Last week, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal had directed the probe after New Delhi officially conveyed its concern showing the evidence of the involvement of Nepali Maoists´ in training the Indian Maoists.
"The Armed Police Force has its own independent investigation cell. The remarks on the matter by its chief could be valid," said Jayamukunda Khanal, spokesperson at the Ministry of Home Affairs, when asked whether the ministry also shares the views of the APF chief.
"We cannot comment on his remarks as he divulged the matter based on his own judgment," Khanal said.
However, a source at the ministry told Republica that the ongoing investigation into the matter has not yet concluded.
In its letter sent to the government, the Embassy had categorically stated that senior Maoists commanders, including Barshaman Pun, gave training to Indian Maoists at different places and time.
APF Chief Basnet had also said that the government investigation, too, couldn´t establish Nepali Maoists´ involvement in training the Indian Maoists."
Replying to a query of the talk show host Narayan Shrestha, Basnet said that the government can integrate Maoist combatants in any of the security agencies it wishes to.
"Integrating Maoist combatants is purely a political issue. The APF is ready to abide by any instruction from the government in this regard," Basnet said.
He said that the APF is ready to work even for Industrial Security Force if the government decides so.
"We are prepared for integration process," Basnet said. "We are just awaiting government´s formal decision on this matter."
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