Kathmandu, April 24

Former president Ram Baran Yadav today stressed on the need to institutionalise the democracy attained through people’s movement.

Inaugurating the Youth SAARC Regional Summit organised by the Youth Parliament of Nepal here today, former president Yadav expressed concern about the fact democracy, which had been achieved after 70 years of struggle, was still under the shadows due to bickering among political parties and it needed to be institutionalised.

He appreciated the incumbent government for trying to accommodate some sections having issues with the present constitution.

“Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made attempts to accommodate the disgruntled side. This is good work. The country will take a leap forward when the demands of the disgruntled side are addressed,” the former president said, urging political parties to go for election by accommodating the communities left out at the time of issuing the constitution.

He also stressed on attaining economic prosperity for the country by establishing peace and stability after concluding the three tiers of elections.

Yadav expressed regret that only one-third of the post-earthquake rebuilding had been accomplished and the government had not been able to provide relief to the earthquake affected.

Foreign Affairs Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat said the government was committed to holding local level elections and the country would move ahead after the election. He added that the youth could contribute significantly to the development of the SAARC, suggesting that SAARC carry out its works by prioritising the youths.

Ambassador of India to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams and Pakistani ambassador to Nepal Mazhar Javed, among other speakers, highlighted the role of the youth in the advancement of the SAARC region and the need for the regional body to give appropriate place to the youths.

Twenty-five youths from SAARC countries will deliberate on challenges to sustainable development in the region.