Kathmandu, Jan 31: The Nepal government has initiated the rehabilitation of 46 Maoists at Dhakaltar of Tanahu district.

In the first such attempt by the government, Minister for Information and Communications Kamal Thapa yesterday welcomed the former Maoists garlanding them at the gate of the rehabilitation center, 130 km west from here.

The Maoists had surrendered to the security forces after the announcement of the amnesty and security to the rebels by the government a few weeks ago, officials said.

The government has said that the Maoists, who give up violence, will be settled in the area with the capacity of rehabilitating around 250 Maoists.

According to the government sources over 150 Maoists have surrendered so far to the security forces since the declaration of amnesty, security and facilities to the former rebels.

The government said the rebels would be provided opportunity of foreign employment. However, no information is given about where and how many rebels will be given the opportunity.

Speaking on the occasion, Thapa said that the government will fulfill its commitment of providing security and employment to the surrendered rebels.

More than 8,500 people have been killed in the Himalayan kingdom since the insurgency began in 1996. The Maoists are fighting to establish a republic replacing the present constitutional monarchy restored in 1990 through popular movement.

Bureau Report