A large number of Maoists have been surrendering to state authorities due to ideological differences in the party and punishment of their own cadres. Around 3,500 have already surrendered. Their number grew even more following differences between top Maoist leaders Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai. The government's policy of giving immunity and rewarding those who surrender also motivated more to give up their arms and their party. But the rebels still confined in the army barracks are complaining that in reality the government deal is different. "Ultimately, it benefits the government if we all decide to surrender and aspire to lead better lives. But what do we get in return?" asks ex-rebel Mandabraj Karki, former regional bureau member. Rebels like Karki, Sangarsa and Prabhat were all senior military commanders. Himal was already a brigade commander when he surrendered and even helped the army for 45 days during its operation against the Maoist militants in mid west Nepal. It was then that the government announced that rebels who surrendered would be given the opportunity to settle abroad. But the government has not even allowed them to move freely in the country. According to the law, no can be detained inside army barracks for a long time yet those jailed have not even been given permission to meet close family members. They get regular meals but no extra clothing. All this was reported by the National Human Rights Commission, which was strongly condemned by the army who argued that the ex-rebels are held inside the barracks at their own request. But the commission says that when they asked the army to release them, the officers told the members that they were making arrangements to send them to a foreign country. "Forget about going abroad, I can't even live a free life anymore," says Himal. So far it seems that the government is using these ex-rebels only for its vested interests.