NEPALGUNJ ;The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has come under stinging attacks from politicians and government ministers. The latest spate of criticisms came from none other than Minister for Information and Communication Shankhar Pokhrel, who, today accused the mission of making efforts to lengthen the ongoing peace process by refusing to provide the details of UCPN-Maoist combatants.

Speaking at a press conference organised by Press Chautari Banke in Nepalgunj, government spokesperson Pokhrel questioned, "Why can the UNMIN not provide details about the combatants?" UNMIN's reluctance to furnish the data of the combatants has given the space for us to doubt that it wants to prolong the peace process, argued Pokhrel.

Minister Pokhrel, however, demanded that UNMIN provide detailed report of numbers of ex-rebels both qualified and disqualified. Nevertheless, Pokhrel made it clear that government was not seeking any alternative to UNMIN.

Stating that the government was planning for a respectful exit of UNMIN from the country, Pokhrel said, "The government wants to bid UNMIN adieu as new constitution will be written and peace process will come to a logical conclusion within UNMIN's extended mandate until May 15."

On the query about perks of Maoist combatants, Pokhrel said the government's firm about not giving the salary to combatants without identity cards being presented.

Referring to recent statement of Nepali Army Chief of Army Staff he said NA can express views on their professionalism and identity. He, however, accused the PLA commanders of delivering political speech.

On the army integration, he said, the government was ready to integrate, manage and rehabilitate the ex-rebels as per their wish and aspiration.

Coming down heavily on unruly and intimidating manoeuvers of the main opposition, UCPN-Maoist, Pokhrel said, "Maoists can not lead the government unless they dismantle their paramilitary structures.”