BIRATNAGAR: Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong on Wednesday said the new constitution can be drafted on time only after the integration and rehabilitation process of the ex-Maoist combatants is completed.

Speaking to journalists in Biratnagar, Chemjong said that the new constitution could not be promulgated until the UCPN-Maoist returns the seized properties, abandons the para-military structure of Young Communist League, youth wing of the Maoist and comes to terms on the integration of the PLA combatants.

Accusing the Maoists of apathy in a crucial period of time, Chemjong said that the Maoists are focused on creating chaos in the country. He also urged the Maoists to transform themselves into a civilian party to gain trust from other political parties. He said that the Maoist leadership government can be discussed only if they behave responsibly.