KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 18

The government has deicided to cremate former Speaker Damannath Dhungana with state honours.

The cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence, Baluwatar, this morning decided to cremate Dhungana with state honours and grant a public holiday today to mourn his demise, informed Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung.

'It has been decided to declare a public holiday today in honour of former Speaker Dhungana and hoist the national flag at half-mast at all government offices at home and abroad throughout the day', Gurung said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been assigned the responsibility for the management of the state honour.

The meeting appreciated the role played by former Speaker Dhungana in streamlining Nepal's parliamentary system,

Spokesperson Gurung said that showing self-respect to the late Dhungana's integrity and ideals would be a true tribute to him.

The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Dhungana and paid tribute and extended condolences to the aggrieved family members.

Dhungana breathed his last on November 17 (Sunday) at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at Frontline Hospital in Baneswor.

Human rights activist and civil society leader Dhungana had been undergoing treatment for liver-related problems for some time. He will be cremated today itself.