Nepalgunj, November 7:

Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Janardan Sharma Prabhakar has said the integration of PLA will be carried out respecting aspirations of the combatants.

Sharma, who is also a member of the special committee formed for integration of the PLA, said this while talking to mediapersons at the Nepalgunj airport today. He was on the way to Dashrathpur (Surkhet)-based 6th division of the Maoist PLA. “We will ask PLA soldiers what their wishes are. Based on their wishes, we will go for integration.”

He expressed fear that the Nepali Congress might land the peace process in soup. “The Peace process is facing obstacles due to Nepali Congress’ stand against the integration of Maoist combatants.”

“Though it is in the opposition, the NC does not have the right to stand against the peace process,” said the minister.

He claimed that the peace process was not moving smoothly due to the role played by the Nepali Congress. Nonetheless, he expressed hope that the opposition party would agree to join the special panel on PLA integration soon.

“All should abide by the peace pact, constitution and mandate of the constituent assembly,” said Prabhakar. Maoist fighters, who have been declared ineligible by the UNMIN, will be given skill-oriented training, he added.