Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal on Monday said the constitution drafting process can move ahead smoothly only after the peace process is taken to a logical conclusion.

Stating that the coalition partner UCPN (Maoist)’s role is crucial to ensure successful conclusion of the peace process, he said without the active participation and involvement of the Maoist party that task is next to impossible.

Inaugurating a programme organised by National Association for Development of Indigenous Nationalities in the capital today, PM Khanal praised the crucial decisions taken by the Maoists in favor the ongoing processes of constitution drafting and peace and described them as vital to successfully concluded the peace process.

The prime minster’s remark has come at a time when the top Maoist leaders have been saying that constitution drafting and peace process should not be viewed as separate entities and should be taken ahead simultaneously. nepalnews.com