UML wants government to retract decision allocating amount to ex-Maoist fighters

CPN (UML) has demanded the government promptly rescind its decision to endorse the guideline to provide amount to the ex-Maoist combatants.

In a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, UML Chief Whip Padam Giri accused the government of preparing for distributing over Rs one billion to the Maoist disqualified combatants in the name of concluding the peace process when the nation’s economy was going through a difficult time.

“Arbitrary distributions from the State coffer should not take place when the payment for complete projects is awaited, funds are insufficient for the payment of pension to retired teachers and civil service employees, the payment of social security scheme and the clearance of the State’s loans remain,” he said.

The budget for the local level has been reduced and the people are facing hard times to meet their daily requirement and it is unfortunate to decide to dole out State coffer to over 4,800 disqualified fighters against this backdrop, according to him.

Questioning over the transparency of the budget allocated in the name of Maoist combatants in the past, he warned the party would launch a protest if the decision was not revoked.

He also demanded an action a group involved in the alleged mistreatment of party Chair KP Sharma Oli in a public programme in Jhapa few days ago.