The Maoist ex-combatants in the camps were restless on Tuesday afternoon as political leaders sat at the PM's residence in Baluwatar to decide on their future. When the radio and tv announced that a deal had been signed, the commanders huddled together to find out the details. "As soon as it was announced we got up and congratulated each other and shook hands," says Dipendra Singh, commander of the camp at Dahaban, Rolpa. "It seems that the political leaders are finally serious. These agreements have to be implemented."

"When we heard that an agreement has been forged, we rejoiced and congratulated each other," says Janak Bista of Shaktikhor camp. "Perhaps the peace process will now be concluded."

"This is an important step for peace and PLA management," said the Brigade Commander of the third division headquarter, Ashok DC. "There is no point bringing up unnecessary issues to oppose the integration now." He added that an agreement was the only solution and the packages announced are satisfactory.

Nara Pun, representative in the monitoring committee in Surkhet says that this is the correct path for the country. "But we were hoping for more support," he added.