"There cannot be bulk integration even if the special committee recommended," she said at a press conference at the Ministry of Defense Tuesday. [break]
She further said that the special committee´s job is only "supervision and management" of Maoist combatants and it "cannot decide" about integration.
Bhandari said that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) does not speak about integration. "Where is it written that PLA will be integrated with the Army?" she asked, adding, "The special committee has been formed for supervision and management and not for integration. There are many options for the Maoist combatants."
She added that there is no representation of her ministry or the Army in the special committee. "On the issue of integration, the special committee must take approval from the concerned security organs of the state," Bhandari said.
Clause 4.4 of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) states that "the interim cabinet shall form a special committee to carry out monitoring, integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants".
She also added that the process of recruitment drive in the NA "will go ahead as per the need".
Directing her wrath against the UCPN (Maoist) allegations, Bhandari said that the question of fully equipping and training the Nepal Army has nothing to do with conflict and nobody need feel misled over this.
Referring to Maoist allegations that the government recently imported arms against the spirit of the CPA, Bhandari said, "The Agreement (CPA) in no way has restricted Army´s activities and to fulfill its requirements."
She said some 100 vehicles, including army trucks, Maruti Gypsy jeeps, water tanker, ambulance, and punch tapes were imported from India. She clarified that the vehicles were brought as per the decision of the 7th meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Group held from December 4-6. She also said that the vehicles had reached the border on January 13, but as the legal process took time, the vehicles were brought only on January 15.
She added that the supply of both lethal and non-lethal logistics, halted by the Indian government after the then King Gyanendra´s takeover, "would resume". This, she said, is in accordance with an understanding reached with the Indian side during her India visit last year.
"The supplies are very essential for the Army and we have fulfilled all provisions to bring the vehicles," Bhandari said. She said that both lethal and non-lethal weapons are needed for the NA, which is now "just enough" for training and other purposes.
"As per the government budget and with support from few donors, the process of bringing arms will move ahead," she said, adding, "We must equip the Army for national security and in case of emergency situations." She also said, "The Army does not have to compromise to please any power center."
Bhandari organized the press meet a day after the Maoists boycotted the parliament over the issue of alleged arms import and Indian Army Chief Deepak Kapoor´s remarks on PLA integration. According to news reports that appeared in the Indian media, Kapoor had said that "bulk integration" of the Maoists combatants into NA is not possible.
Related story
Awareness about special needs education low in Nepal: Prof Jung
