Birgunj, November 3:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Upendra Yadav today said that the nation would suffer if the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were integrated into the Nepal Army.

“Though the integration of PLA combatants is a vital part of the peace process, it will be a mistake if the politically-indoctrinated combatants are integrated into the national force,” Minister Yadav said at a press meet here today.

He said the PLA fighters could be sent abroad for jobs, deployed for border security and adjusted in other sectors at home.

“The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum is against the integration of People’s Liberation Army combatants in the name of management,” Minister Yadav added. Regretting the delay in the implementation of agreements reached with the United Madhesi Democratic Front, Yadav warned that the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum would quit the government if the pacts were not implemented.

“The government’s top priority is to end the ongoing conflict and establish lasting peace,” the MJF leader said.