Children in Nepal Maoists camps

Kathmandu, Jun 25 (UNI) Sixty minors from Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts in eastern Nepal are still inside the Maoist cantonments in Udaypur, Ilam and Chitwan districts, stated a report made public by UNICEF and the World Education and Janasewa Samaj Nepal, a Khotang-based NGO.

According to the report, 34 child soldiers from Khotang and 26 from Okhaldhunga are still living inside the Maoist PLA cantonments along with other combatants.

The Maoists are preparing to lead the next government within a few days.

Of the 34 underage former Maoist guerrillas from Khotang district, 28 are said to be inside Belshrot camp in Udaypur district, two inside Chulachuli camp in Ilam district and four inside Shakthikhor camp in Chitwan, local media reported.

Likewise, of the 26 Maoist child soldiers from Okhaldhunga, 24 are in the same camp and one is in Rolpa. Another one, who was said to be in Ranibas camp in Sindhuli, is now missing, the report said.

At least 117 Maoist child soldiers from Khotang and 114 from Okhaldhunga have returned home following the comprehensive peace accord, Kantipur quoted local official as saying.

UNI XC SZ KP1248