Integration of PLA into Nepali Army

By Siddhi B. Ranjitkar

Nepal is unique in the sense it has a highest mountain called Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), and many other fabulous mountains that attract so many tourists, its people observe so many social and religious events that not a single day passes without such an event, to all these uniqueness added two parallel armies in a single tiny country in 2007.

Integration of these armies into a single national army has been the topic of debate for politicians, journalists, army people, and Nepalese people in general. The leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal – Maoist (CPN-Maoist) command the Maoists’ combatants, however, the Government of Nepal pays for their upkeep following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) it has signed with the Chairman of the CPN-Maoist. So, integration of the Maoists’ combatants into the Nepali Army has been a matter of concern for all.

On Friday, January 04, 2008, addressing a talk-program on ‘Integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepali Army’ held by the ‘Mahendra Narayan Nidhi Foundation’ in the Kathmandu, retired Lt. General Chitra Bahadur Gurung said it is necessary to bring the verified Maoists’ People’s Liberation Army (PLA) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Peace and Reconstruction as a separate security force until the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. “Only after this happens, we can finalize as to when and how can PLA be integrated (into the Nepal Army),” Lt General Chitra Bahadur Gurung said, “The state already has security forces of 185,000 and adjusting another 20,000 would not be a difficult task.” [1]

Speaking to the media persons in his hometown Biratnagar, Dr Shekhar Koirala, Nepali Congress (NC) central committee member and the nephew of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said the CA elections would not be held if the security situation did not improve, and underlined the need for the integration of Maoists’ PLA into the Nepali Army before the elections are held. "It will be difficult to go to the polls if the process of integrating the PLA personnel into the national army is not initiated," he said, adding, "As the issue of integration was mentioned in the interim constitution, it should be taken seriously." [2]

On Sunday, January 06, 2008, talking to the reporters at the Kathmandu International airport before leaving for a weeklong visit to China, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rukmangud Katuwal said that the Nepali Army (NA) does not believe in any political 'isms.' General Katuwal further said that the Nepali Army is a professional army, is not guided by any 'political ideology' but only by the 'chain of command' system. His comments on the Nepali Army have come at the time when the debate on the integration of Maoists’ combatants into the Nepali Army is ongoing after the 23-agreement reached among the leaders of the seven-party alliance (SPA) and accordingly an amendment to the interim constitution done by the Interim Legislature-parliament. [3]

On Monday, January 07, 2008, speaking to the journalists in Fulbari Resort at Dhulikhel, Kavre where the CPN-Maoist is holding its central committee meeting, Minister for Information and Communications and CPN-Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that the remarks made by Chief of Army Staff General Rukmangud Katuwal could adversely affect the peace process. He said that the remarks were not acceptable and were against the peace agreement. CoAS Katuwal had said on Sunday, January 06 that the Nepali Army would not accept the induction of any political ideology in the army. “The Nepali Army operates under people’s chain of command and it should be kept untainted,” Katuwal told reporters at the Kathmandu International Airport before leaving for China. [4]

On Sunday, January 06, 2008, less than a month after he visited India, talking to the reporters before boarding an aircraft for a weeklong official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Army, CoAS General Rukmangud Katuwal said that the Nepali Army should not be kept under any ism, ideology and political motivation, as it is the national army. Responding to a query about possibility of integration of Maoist fighters into the Nepali Army, CoAS Katuwal said, "Nepali Army is the Nepali people's army that is paid by the people. It is national army so it should not be kept under any ism, ideology and political motivation. It should be kept impartial. While seeking solution to any problem, we should always be careful that it would not trigger another serious problem." [5]

Better than integrating the PLA with the Nepali Army, it could be inducted into the security sector by forming an Industrial Security Force or by integrating with any other security forces, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala told a delegation of journalists led by the Reporters' Club Nepal President Rishi Dhamala at his official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday morning, January 08, 2008. He also said if some combatants want to go for overseas employment, they should be accorded a high priority for such a job. Prime Minister Koirala holding the defense portfolio also defended the army chief's recent remarks on the unlikely case of the integration of PLA into the Nepali Army saying why anybody should raise any sorts of objection to his remarks. [6]

On Tuesday January 08, 2008, speaking to the journalists and the delegates of the Reporter's Club at his official residence at Baluwatar, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala ruled out the possibility of integrating the Maoists’ Army with the Nepali Army saying it would be a step toward politicizing the national army. He said that other alternatives could be explored; one such option might be to establish a separate security force comprising the Maoists’ Army for the security of the industrial sector. “In my opinion, the Nepali Army is the nation's wing and it should not be politicized. There is not a single example of integration of the indoctrinated fighters into the professional army in the world. Even in our context, the Maoists’ Army will not be integrated with the Nepali Army as such. They will be developed into an Industrial Army," said Prime Minister on Tuesday. Backing up the CoAS Rukmangud Katuwal's statement that the integration would politicize the professional army and that would give birth to other dangers, Prime Minister termed the Katuwal's statement is appropriate. He, however, affirmed that the army should follow the decision of the government. [7]

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has ruled out the option of allowing ex-combatants of the former rebel group known as the Maoists to join the Nepali Army, wrote the state-run newspaper ‘The Rising Nepal’ on Wednesday, January 09, 2008. “The army is the nation's wing and it should not be politicized. There is not a single example of integration of the indoctrinated fighters into the professional army in the world. Even in our context, the Maoist army will not be integrated with the Nepali Army,'' the report quoted Koirala as saying. [8]

On Tuesday, January 08, 2008, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala clarified that he was not in favor of integrating the Maoists’ People’s Liberation Army into the Nepali Army. “The (Nepali) army is an organ of the state,” Prime Minister Koirala told a group of media persons at his official residence at Baluwatar. “My viewpoint is that the Army should not be politicized, and no where in the world has the army been politicized. It is not necessary to integrated them (PLA into the national army).” They can be integrated into other forces. It could be an industrial (security) force or other kinds of forces. They should be integrated in that manner,” he added. “But I don’t want to politicize the army by talking about integration into the army.” He also informed that the integration of the Maoist Combatants was impossible before the CA elections even if it was to be integrated. Prime Minister Koirala said that the PLA could be integrated only after formulating the security policy, which is possible only after the CA elections. [9]

A day after Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala seconded the statement of the Nepali Army Chief that integration of 'indoctrinated' cadres into the Nepali Army was not possible, speaking at a program jointly held by Marwadi Sewa Samiti Nepal and Nepal National Marwadi Council, CPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda accused the Prime Minister of violating the past agreements but remained firm not to shy away from the polls. He said that the Prime Minister's statement that it would not be possible to integrate the Maoist Army with the Nepali Army was against the letter and spirit of all the agreements signed so far and questioned the peace process itself. “What the Nepali Army chief said was beyond his jurisdiction and was rather transgression of the limits of authority given to him, which in turn has hinted at something untoward in the offing. Moreover, the fact that the Prime Minister seconded the army chief's statement right after a day and ruled out the possibility of integration has made us suspicious whether he is going against the peace process," Prachanda said. His denial of integration is the violation of the recently signed 23-point agreement in which it is clearly stated that a committee will be set up to work for the integration. Hence it is clear that the Prime Minister is trying to mar the environment for the elections, which were showing signs of improvement, he added. [10]

Maoist chairman Prachanda has said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s statement that the Maoists’ army cannot be merged into the Nepal Army is not only provocative, but it also goes against the comprehensive peace accord (CPA). “While the CPN-Maoist is wholeheartedly gearing up for the CA election to be held in April, has even rejoined the government for this purpose, the Prime Minister’s statement has made us very serious. His statement is provocative,” Prachanda said speaking at an interaction program held by the Marwari community in Kathmandu on Wednesday afternoon, January 09, 2008. The Maoist chairman said that the Prime Minister’s statement could have been intended to provoke his party into disrupting the election process and then put all the blame on it if CA poll fails. Chairman Prachanda further said though he didn't see any possibility of a military coup the Prime Minister’s remarks made him to suspect a “democratic coup”. “There is a mystery in what the Prime Minister said, and it will not particularly help the peace process,” he added, the Prime Minister should refrain from making such inflammatory remarks in the current situation. [11]

Amid the intensifying controversy over the comments made by the army chief and Prime Minister on the integration of the PLA into the Nepali Army, speaking at a program held in the Syangja district on Wednesday, January 09, Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat added his voice supporting the Prime Minister and dismissing the Maoists' objection. "In a multiparty democracy, a political party does not own army," he said. Dr. Mahat added that alternative means should be explored to settle the issue of integration and rehabilitation of the Maoists’ combatants. He said that the Maoists should not object to the remarks made by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, on ruling out the integration of the Maoists’ Army into the Nepali Army. [12]

Addressing a function in Kathmandu on Wednesday, January 09, 2008, Maoists’ Chairman Prachanda said that the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s statement that the Maoist combatants should not be integrated into the Nepali Army within two days after similar remarks made by Chief of Army Staff General Rukmangud Katuwal was “mysterious”. “At a time when our (central committee) meeting was going on, the Prime Minister in a very aggressive manner said that the army integration will not take place,” Prachanda said. “(Army) Chief Katuwal had gone beyond his limit and status to say what he said. He was not supposed to give a political statement.” “Instead of saying that (General Katuwal’s) statement was wrong, the Prime Minister said that the integration couldn’t take place. What is the secret behind it?” he questioned. “Is it just a simple issue? Is it a small mistake or an emotion? Or is it (a ploy) to instigate the Maoists and spoil the election environment, sensing that the Maoists are going all-out for the elections?” “It wasn’t necessary to raise the issue of the (army) integration at this juncture,” he further said. “If you look at the 23-point agreement it stipulates that a committee will be formed to carry out the integration. What is the meaning behind the Prime Minister’s statement after that?” He questioned, “is PM Koirala’s statement a prelude to a “democratic coup” to be jointly launched by PM’s Nepali Congress and the army, as rumor has it?” Chairman Prachanda also said that they had talks with the Nepali Army generals sent by the Prime Minister on the integration of the PLA into the Nepali Army at Hotel Ambassador at Lazimpat in Kathmandu. He added that the Maoists’ leaders also discussed the same with foreigners at Hotel Summit at Kupandole in Lalitpur district. Prachanda further said that he was surprised to the statement made by the Chief of the Army Staff immediately after returning from his official visit to India on refuting any such talks held with the Nepali Army officers on the integration of the PLA into the Nepali Army. [13]

On Thursday, January 10, 2008, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said at the cabinet meeting that the media distorted 'his Tuesday's views' on the integration of the Maoists’ combatants into the Nepali Army. Prime Minister Koirala made this clarification when Ministers representing the CPN-Maoist showed concern over his statement saying it was confusing, conflicting and was against the peace agreement, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Pampha Bhusal told ‘The Rising Nepal’. Meanwhile, the cabinet decided to activate the previously announced special committee under the coordination of Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel to work for integration, management and rehabilitation of the Maoists’ Army. Minister for Information and Communications Krishna Bahadur Mahara will represent the CPN-Maoist on the committee. The special committee was almost defunct when the Maoist ministers quit the government about four months ago. Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said that the integration, management and rehabilitation of the Maoists’ combatants will be done following the recommendations of the special committee as provided in the Interim Constitution. As the integration of the Maoists’ combatants was directly associated with the peace process, it should be done simultaneously with the Constituent Assembly elections, Minister for Local Development Dev Gurung said, “The integration process is directly related to the political way out." [14]

On January 10, 2008, legislators at the session of the parliament criticized Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and CoAS Rukmangud Katuwal stating that their remarks on the integration of the Maoists' 'People's Liberation Army' (PLA) were immature. “It is the subject which should be resolved through the seven-party dialogue following the constitution and earlier agreements," said CPN-UML Legislator Raghuji Panta. The statement of the Prime Minister and CoAS Katuwal and the counter statement by CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda have caused confusion about the Constitution Assembly (CA) elections," he said. CPN-Maoist Legislator Lokendra Bista criticized Prime Minister Koirala and CoAS Katuwal for violation of the provision made in the Interim Constitution and earlier agreements on the PLA's integration into the Nepali Army. “How did they dare to speak against the constitution and agreements? The Prime Minister should clarify in the parliament," he said. Another CPN-Maoist Legislator Padam Lal Bishwakarma accused the Prime Minister of speaking with the intention of not holding the CA elections by mid-April. [15]

On Thursday, January 10, 2008, speaking at a program held at the Reporters' Club Nepal, Deputy Commander of the Maoist militia and leader of CPN-Maoist, Barsaman Pun 'Ananta' said the controversial view of the chief of the Nepali Army and the Prime Minister about the integration of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into the Nepali Army was against the comprehensive peace accord and the constitution. The Prime Minister supporting the view of the army chief signals the onset of a serious political accident. “The comments which came while the country is heading toward the constitution assembly elections indicate a political conspiracy." He demanded the immediate enforcement of the 23-point agreement. He said a national army should be formed after the integration of the two armies. The process of integration should be started before the constituent assembly elections, he said. Conflict specialist Indrajit Rai stressed on the need for the formation of a high-level technical group of specialists for integration and an immediate need for a national defense policy. He portrayed the Nepali Army as a ceremonial army. He added there should not be two armies in the country and if it were so, it would only benefit the Maoists. Former official of the Nepali Army and currently CPN-Maoist Legislator Kumar Fudung said the political leaders should define how the PLA and Nepali Army are integrated into a National Army. He said that the integration of the Maoists’ Army, which fought for a republican state, into the Nepali Army, would not politicize the army. Conflict specialist Dr. Bishnu Raj Upreti said that the PLA should be integrated according to their ability, qualification and skill. He added that the views of the Prime Minister and the Army Chief only added more complications to the peace process. He stressed on the need for transforming both the armies. He also gave the instance of successful integration of insurgent combatants and national army in different countries. Human rights activist Krishna Pahadi said that the integration of two armies into a single army is complicated but it should be done. He added the Nepalese people neither want an army committed to the Maoists nor loyal to the King. [16]

At a time when Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and CoAS Rukmangud Katuwal have been facing criticism for their statements on the integration of the Maoists’ Army into the Nepali Army, senior Nepali Congress leader and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has backed up their controversial views. Former Prime Minister Deuba said the issue of integrating the Maoists’ combatants with the Nepali Army must proceed according to the “prescription” given by the army top brass. Talking to the reporters after attending a program in Lalitpur on Friday, January 11, 2008, former Prime Minister Deuba said no past agreements reached with the Maoists state that the Maoists’ combatants should be integrated into the Nepali Army. [17]

It is clear that the leaders of the Nepali Congress party including the current and former Prime Ministers are disregarding their reputation for lying to the Nepalese people have been talking about the integration of the PLA into the Nepali Army inconsistently. It is high time to restructure the Nepali Army for making it the army of the Nepalese people rather than making it someone else’s at the cost of the Nepalese people.

Footnotes:

[1] Nepalnews.com ag Jan 05 07, “Bring Maoist combatants under the purview of govt: Army general Gurung (Rtd)”

[2] The Hindu, Jan. 04, 2008, “Holding Nepal polls impossible: Shekhar Koirala”

[3] Nepalnews.com sd Jan 06 08, “NA Chief indicates he is against integrating politically indoctrinated combatants”

[4] The Himalayan Times, “CoAS Remarks Not Acceptable: Mahara”; Nepalnews.com ia Jan 07 08, “NA Chief indicates he is against integrating politically indoctrinated combatants“

[5] Ekantipur.com, Kantipur Report, January 06, 2008, “Army Chief leaves for China; says NA shouldn’t be kept under any ‘ism’”; Nepalnews.com ia Jan 07 08, “NA Chief indicates he is against integrating politically indoctrinated combatants“

[6] Nepalnews.com ag Jan 08 08, “Don't politicize the army: PM Koirala”

[7] The Rising Nepal, January 09, 2008, “Army should not be politicized: Koirala”

[8] The Hindu, January 09, 2008 “Koirala rules out Maoists joining Nepali Army”

[9] Ekantipur.com, Kantipur Report, January 08, 2008, “PM not in favor of integrating PLA fighters into Nepali Army”

[10] The Rising Nepal, January 10, 2008, “Maoists not to shy away from CA polls: Prachanda flays remarks on army integration”

[11] Nepalnews.com mk Jan 09 08, “PM’s statement on army integration provocative: Prachanda”

[12] Nepalnews.com sd Jan 09 08, “Mahat adds his voice in support of PM on 'army integration'”

[13] Ekantipur.com, Kantipur Report, January 09, 2008, “Prachanda smells rat behind PM’s statement against army integration”

[14] The Rising Nepal, January 11, 2008, “Govt activates panel to integrate PLA into NA Media distorted my views: PM”

[15] The Rising Nepal, January 11, 2008, “MPs seek PM's clarification on PLA integration statement”

[16] The Rising Nepal, January 11, 2008, “Army Chief's views against statute: Pun”; The Rising Nepal, Janaury 12, 2008, “Integration not matter of debate: Pun”

[17] Nepalnews.com ia Jan 11 08, “Deuba throws weight behind army chief's statement”; The Rising Nepal, January 12, 2008, “Adjustment to NA not mentioned in deal”