A brigade commander of the underground Maoists, Hom Prakash Shrestha Sunday surrendered to the administration, a Royal Nepal Army statement said. Shrestha, so far, is the top most Maoist soldier to give up arms, it added.

Shrestha was brigadier commander of the Maoists’ “People’s Liberation Army” in Bheri-Karnali division of west Nepal.

He was involved in Maoist attacks in various police posts and security camps in the different parts of Western Nepal.

Shreshta entered the Young Communist League impressed by the communist literatures in 1994 and had been actively involved in Maoist activities. He regrets his past and wants to live a peaceful life, an army source told Nepalnews.

Along with Shrestha, Janu Chhantyal, the Maoists’ company commander in Seti-Mahakali division, has also surrendered with arms, the source and the statement said.

Shrestha and Chhantyal are making their views public through a Nepal TV program run by Royal Nepali Army, “Matole Magdaina Afailay Dinu Parcha” on Monday evening at 6:50.

Likewise, Maoist activists Gokul Hamal, Nar Bahadur Rana, Balsara Chand, Nar Bahadur Singh, Dinesh Singh Dhami, Sujana Rai, Kale Kami and Saharman Rai have also surrendered.

The government, two months ago, had announced amnesty, full security and job placement to those who surrender. nepalnews.com mr/rh Jan 12