Nepal Army takes over control of Maoist camps, completes peace process

London, Apr 12 (ANI): Nepalese soldiers have taken over the control of former Maoist rebels camps, as part of securing peace six years after the end of civil war in Nepal

The former rebels have now come under control of the army in what is seen as a key step to securing peace. About 9,000 former fighters have been confined to camps since 2006, awaiting a political settlement.

About 6,000 of them are to be integrated into the army. The remainder will get a financial settlement, The BBC reports.

Containers holding thousands of Maoist weapons are also being handed over to the army, officials say.

Maoist military chief Nanda Kishor Pun told the BBC that the two forces have been introducing and welcoming each other.

"It's final now. The peace process is over. The armies have merged now," he said.

Officials say that about 3,000 former combatants may opt for voluntary retirement within the next three to four days. (ANI)