Kathmandu, February 23

The Embassy of France has stated that a Nepali national, Lal Bahadur Khapangi, a Legionnaire in the French army, died last month due to an avalanche in the mountains of Val Frejus, France, in the course of a military exercise.

A permanent resident of Kamala Mai Municipality, Sindhuli, Khapangi, 25, joined the French Legion, in August 2014, according to the Embassy.

Foreign Legion is a special service branch of the French army, which is unique because it was created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces.

In a ceremony organised at the French embassy today, French Ambassador-designate Yves Carmona read out a condolence letter addressed to Mohan Bahadur Khapangi, the father of Lal Bahadur. The letter is signed by the Chief of Staff of the French army General Jean-Pierre Bosser.

Gen Bosser recalled how Lal Bahadur was a committed and motivated combat engineer who showed a special interest in the field of rescue.

During the ceremony, French Ambassador-designate expressed his gratitude to late Lal Bahadur for his commitment and service and thanked the parents of Lal Bahadur for his upbringing.