Grievances of ex-fighters
Since its formation in 1994, the Communist Party of Nepal- Maoists (CPM-MC) has gone through a series of social and political transformations, shifting from its jungle politics to entering mainstreaming politics following the 12-point comprehensive peace agreement with the then seven-party alliance in 2006. The decade-long civil war that resulted in the loss of some 17,000 lives and complete disruption of the national development activities has now been the main concern and question of the people about its necessity considering its political role and performance in the last one and half decade of national politics.
It seems that the rehabilitation of disqualified combatants were not properly done, resulting in their time and again protests against their senior leaders for not being serious and sincere to addressing their hardships. The first discharge of disqualified combatants began from the Dudhauli, Sindhuli based cantonment, ending in the second discharge from the Chitwan cantonment in 2010. Their main concern seemed to be the tag of “disqualified” combatants. They seem to be worried about their uncertain future. Now, the then disqualified combatants, who were in their 12-13 years of age, when they were forcefully or intentionally joined the people’s war, must now be in their early thirties. If this and any future government continue to ignore their grievances and leave them to their own fate, the nation might see more violent protest in the coming days.
The Dahal led 10-party government’s recent controversial decision to provide cash relief to disqualified combatants was widely criticized for ignoring the nation’s critical economic situation. The Supreme Court’s short-term interim order not to implement the decision was a setback to the government’s intention. Critics opine that this cash distribution plan could set a dangerous precedent, compromising the integrity of the integration process and undermining the rule of law.
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