Nepal Confronts Delicate Task of Integrating Former Maoist Rebels into National Army

Nepal Confronts Delicate Task of Integrating Former Maoist Rebels into National Army

CHITWAN and KATMANDU, Nepal -- Four years ago, Hardik dropped out of his university-level science studies in the Nepali capital, Katmandu, to join Maoist insurgents in the bush. Admittedly scared sick at first, he said the rigors of guerilla warfare hardened his resolve to oust a ruling monarchy hopelessly out of touch with Nepal's poverty.

Today Hardik is one of more than 23,000 members of the People's Liberation Army idling in U.N.-monitored ceasefire camps, where weapons are locked away and his free time is spent doing English grammar exercises or playing the flute.

"There is no such thing as perpetual revolution," the 25-year-old said at his camp in the country's arid southern plains. "We have achieved our mission through the ballot and must start to rebuild our country, together, for the people."

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