Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong (File photo)

Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong has said promulgation of new constitution will not be possible before integration and rehabilitation of cantoned Maoist combatants takes place.

Speaking to reporters in Biratnagar Wednesday, Chemjong said integration of Maoist combatants should be made a top priority in order to draft the constitution within the prescribed time.

Chemjong further said that return of properties seized by the Maoists during the insurgency and dismantling of the paramilitary structure of the Maoist youth wing, Young Communist League (YCL), are other necessary tasks towards ensuring timely drafting of the statute.

"As long as the UCPN (Maoist) does not turn into a civilian party it cannot be trusted," he said, adding that the ruling parties were ready to ready to share power with the Maoist party if it changes.

Accusing the Maoists of not being sincere towards constitution-drafting and the peace process, the peace minister said the government has rightly pointed out the possibility of misuse of money provided to the Maoist combatants, which is distributed through their commanders. The government now wants to disburse the money directly to the combatants, he said. nepalnews.com