However, a few staffers said they will stay until the last day following confusion over whom to hand over the arms containers and other logistics to.[break]
“The government should decide whom to hand over the containers and logistics to,” said Janak Bista, spokesperson of the Shaktikhor-based PLA third division. “No one has yet come to take the responsibly.”
According to Bista, only one UNMIN representative is left in the cantonment. Also, Bista is currently left with only a driver and security personnel who are also readying to leave for Kathmandu by January 15.
Sarad Chandra Sharma, coordinator of the committee providing food to the combatants, said problems are sure to surface at the eleventh hour as no proper information has been given regarding the transfer of responsibilities.
One combatant of the Nawalparasi-based PLA fourth division expressed confusion over the departure of UNMIN.
“While political confusion remains, UNMIN´s departure has added to it,” he said.
Dambar Thami, a combatant, said no efforts have been made to extend UNMIN´s term although it is needed for arms monitoring.
Another combatant, Biswas Dhakal, said there will be problems in army integration if no alternative to UNMIN is sought on time, adding members of the Special Committee on integration and rehabilitation have failed to address their plight during their first visit.
Chandra Prakash Khanal, PLA deputy commander and member of the special committee, said discussions are being held with other political parties to seek an UNMIN alternative.
Currently, 19,600 Maoist combatants have been languishing in around seven cantonments and 21 satellite camps across the country.
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