The process of discharging 7,365 Maoist combatants who opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) during the recent regrouping process is set to begin from Monday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Maoist party leadership with PLA division commanders of the seven main cantonments at the residence of party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday. The decision followed the decision of the Special Committee for Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants to start the farewell process of PLA combatants choosing VRS within three days. Party hardliners led by senior vice chairman Mohan Baidhya and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa, who had earlier been opposing the regrouping process, were also present at the meeting.

The PLA combatants will be sent home with the first installment of their financial package including certificates recognising their contribution to the country.

However, the PLA division commanders say the party leadership should put the discharge process on hold until the parties reach an agreement on rank determination.