Kathmandu, Nov. 4 - Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam said Tuesday that the nation might be pushed into another cycle of violence if it failed to address the issues related to integration of the Maoist combatants properly, as it is a major part of the ongoing peace process.

Maoist combatants would be adjusted in Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and other security forces, to be formed by the government in the future, for the security of industries, tourism and border, Minister Gautam said at the Reporters’ Club Nepal.

Minister Gautam, who is also the Coordinator of the Special Government Committee on Army Integration, said that disqualified and disinterested combatants would be rehabilitated in other areas as per their interest and ability.

However, those combatants who wanted to be integrated into the security forces should be capable in terms of criteria and standards set by the respective bodies for recruitment, he added.

He said, "The army integration process will not be stopped with the denial of the Nepali Congress to join the Special Committee. But, I am confident that the NC will join the committee shortly."

He said that the modality of the army integration would be finalized after holding extensive discussion amongst stakeholders and by studying world’s models in this regard. "The discussion on army integration will start once the Committee gets the final shape."

He said that the committee formed between the CPN-Maoist and the CPN-UML to sort out the problems surfaced because of the activities of the YCL and Youth Force would come up with proper solution, as their activities were objectionable and unhelpful in maintaining law and order in the society.

The recent steps taken by the government to maintain law and order in the society would be given continuity and extended in the district or local levels, Minister Gautam said.

He said that the present home administration had initiated several positive things including regulating dance bar restaurants, removing street vendors and prohibiting Nepalese to enter in casinos to maintain law and order. "These steps have created a sense of security and protection among the people."

Minister Gautam said that the government would draft and table laws to ban smoking in the public places.