The procedures to vacate the 13 satellite camps of the Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) ended on Monday.

The combatants from these satellite camps have been shifted to 15 other cantonments and their weapons have been stored in the containers in the PLA division headquarters. Armed Police Force units have been placed in eight of the evacuated cantonments for their security while the Nepal Army has taken charge of the security of the seven others.

The Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) had decided to close down the 13 satellite camps after the completion of the discharge of combatants who chose voluntary retirement.

9711 combatants remain in the cantonments now. Among them, 9705 have opted for integration into the NA while just six combatants have chosen rehabilitation package.

As per the seven-point understanding among the parties, 6500 combatants will be integrated in the proposed general directorate under the NA. nepalnews.com