Pokhara, October 11:

Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ said today that a special political committee will be formed soon after Tihar for the integration of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army personnel into the Nepal Army.

Badal told mediapersons that the integration will be carried out in accordance with the peace process. The committee will go for the integration after fixing certain parameters, the defence minister said.

Accompanied by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami, Maoist leader Post Bahadur Bogati and a host of other Maoist leaders, Thapa came here on a mountain flight.

He accused the regressive forces of trying to play the Nepal Army and the CPN-Maoist against each other.

Stating that political parties will be consulted for the integration, he said, “Nepali Congress has been saying that there should be no integration of the PLA into the NA. This stance is against the comprehensive peace treaty.”

The Nepali people also stand for the integration, he said, adding that the integration will be effected despite Nepali Congress’ opposition.