The process of discharging 7,365 Maoist combatants who opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) during the recent regrouping process has begun from Friday.

Separate teams mobilised by the Army Integrating Special Committee (AISC) have already reached all seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) cantonments across the country to hand over the first installment of their financial package including certificates recognising their contribution to the country as part of the government’s plan to integrate the former rebels back into society.

The farewell process began in 3rd main cantonment site (MCS) in Shaktikhor of Chitwan district today. A team led by AISC secretariat coordinator Balananda Sharma started handing over pay cheques to the combatants opting for VRS based on their ranks verified by the then United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).

Each former rebel choosing VRS will receive up to Rs 900,000 including additional travel expenses.

Coordinator Sharma said the combatants choosing VRS will be given half the amount they are entitled to get under the scheme in account payee cheques. He said the ex-rebels will get the remaining amount in the next fiscal year.

After receiving the checks, the former rebels will have to leave the cantonments by the end of the current Nepali months of Magh (February 12). nepalnews.com