Maoists need to give up 'extreme' thinking: Nepal PM

Even as he is confident that the new Nepalese constitution would be ready by the targeted date of May 28, premier Madhav Kumar Nepal has said if the process is not completed in due time, the entire blame will lie on Maoists who need to give up their "extreme" thinking.

Nepal also said the integration of former Maoists in the army was the most delicate part of the peace process, as it was essential to ensure neutrality of the armed forces.

"There are four-and-a-half months left (for constitution drafting). I have been a member of the constitution drafting committee in 1990 when constitution was drafted in three months. If it was possible then, why not in 2010," the prime minister told PTI in an interview here.

He, however, noted that "time is very short", and instead of spending time on talks, there was need to move forward practically.

"Maoists are aware of complications. They have to take into consideration that it is they who raised the issue of constituent assembly elections and drafting of constitution."

"If it is not done in due time, then the whole blame will be on Maoists," Nepal said adding, "That is why they will have to cooperate. They will have to give up extreme Left thinking."

He said Maoists will have to "transform themselves so that people can believe that they are a civil political party which has no private army, that they are a democratic party observing democratic norms and values. Without that they cannot win the trust of people."