The inclusion of Maoist leaders in the interim government cannot but be welcomed, provided, as the prime minister has been insisting, the Maoist arms are managed. When they are in government, the would-be Maoist ministers will be overseeing the Nepal Army and there can't be two adversarial armies in the country.

There need be no hurdle to that because the basics have already been agreed to, and the UN representatives are here. To look after arms management, there should be a military advisory body consisting of retired army officers who have served in UN peacekeeping missions, together with serving army officers and Maoist representatives. This body should also be charged with the task of planning the future of the Nepal Army with possible induction of the Maoist militia.

Ishwari Pradhan,
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