Nepal: Calls to investigate Maoist cantonment scam increasing

The case dates back to 2007 when the then government had decided to provide Rs 5,000 a month to as many as 19,602 former Maoist combatants camped in seven cantonments and 21 satellite camps set up across the country, reports The Kathmandu Post.

The provision was to be continued until the time the combatants were either integrated into security agencies or chose volunteer retirement, the newspaper reported.

Interestingly, 4008 combatants were disqualified in 2010 for being either underage or late recruits.

The distribution of money to former rebels courted controversy as Maoist leaders allegedly pocketed a big chunk of the fund.

In 2013, of the total 19,602 combatants registered by the United Nations Mission to Nepal (UNMIN), 1,460 were integrated into Nepal Army while some others chose a rehabilitation package offered by the government, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Other parties have been accusing the then Maoist leadership and top commanders of profiteering from the funds that should have gone to the combatants. They were also accused of accepting salaries and allowances on behalf of thousands of combatants who had already left the cantonments.

Although some Maoist Centre leaders said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was positive on probing the alleged corruption in cantonment funds, no prominent leader has talked about the issue in public, the newspaper reported.