DDR not applicable for Maoists: says Prachanda

Maoist chairman Prachanda has said that the model of DDR (Disarming, Demobilisation and Reintegration) will not be applicable for restructuring of the Maoist army.

Prachanda and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in a meeting in Switzerland. Photo courtesy: Nepalese People's Progressive Forum (File Photo)

Addressing a programme in Geneva, Switzerland, Prachanda said that since Maoists' People's Liberation Army (PLA) had fought for people, the DDR model cannot be applicable for them. "It should rather be applied on the old army," he said.

Prachanda said the PLA should be reintegrated into the Nepali Army and their soldiers be given security duties. Any plan to engage them in other duties would be unfortunate, he said.

Prachanda and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai are currently in Switzerland.