The Special Committee has enforced a 12-point code of conduct for former Maoist combatants, barring them from engaging in any political activity inside cantonments.
The code that came into effect in all the 15 cantonment sites on Friday asks PLA combatants to maintain discipline and follow the Nepal Army rules. The new policy comes in the wake of the government's decision to transfer the chain of command of the combatants, weapons and the cantonment sites to the Army.
The code of conduct urges both the combatants and the Army rank and file to consider the sensitiveness of peace and conflict and requires them to honour each other. It also asks both the sides to not be biased and refrain from resenting the past and making provocative statements.
"The concept of two armies has ceased after the army integration deal. The new code of conduct is an interim arrangement to create uniformity and harmony among the combatants and the Nepal Army (personnel)," Special Committee Coordinator Balananda Sharma said.
Around 1,400 Army personnel are deployed in cantonments following the cantonment handover last week.
The code further instructs Army officers and PLA commanders to hear grievances, if any, of the combatants and resolve them accordingly. It also stresses on the proper use of physical infrastructure in the camps, which is now the property of the government.
The code says activities in the cantonments should be based on the programmes prepared in coordination of the commander of the Army deployed there. It bars combatants from conducting political orientations, debates or gatherings and urges them not to carry out any activity that will adversely affect the local community.
The code of conduct also urges the combatants to follow the Interim Constitution of 2006, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and other agreements signed among parties on the supervision and management of the combatants. It says that the Army will be responsible for the security of the cantonments and states that the cantonments will remain as Army barracks until the completion of the integration process.
The code also says that only arms and ammunition belonging to the Army and the authority designated by it can be stored in the cantonments.
Meanwhile, the Special Committee is all set to introduce a new dress code for combatants who opt for integration. "The combatants will give up the combat fatigue and insignia given to them by the Maoists once the voluntary retirement process completes. There cannot be a military in two uniforms now," said Secretariat coordinator Sharma.- ekantipur.com/en
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