KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 20

Prime Minister Sushila Karki said that the late Nepali student Bipin Joshi will always hold a special place in the hearts of many. During a tribute to Joshi today, she remarked,

'Joshi represented our nation with honor and earned the respect of both the Israeli people and government. He deserves to be remembered as a courageous young man. His mother, who raised such a valiant son, and his sister, who tirelessly sought him, also merit our deepest respect.'

At the mourning ceremony held at Tribhuvan International Airport, Prime Minister Karki noted that upon the return of Joshi's body to Nepal, the eyes of 30 million Nepalis, who had been hoping for his safe return over the past two years, were filled with tears. She expressed that the hope of the nation for Bipin's safety has now turned into sorrow.

'We believed Bipin would come back. We longed to give him a grand reception at the airport, but that dream has been shattered,' Prime Minister Karki said. 'Had he wished to survive, he might have done so, but he was caught in an abduction while trying to save his friends. The pain and suffering he endured, the circumstances of his death, and the distress his family experienced are all harrowing to contemplate.'

The Prime Minister emphasized that Bipin Joshi belonged to everyone, and that his bravery and valor will never be forgotten, expressing pride in his courage. 'Bipin will always be remembered. He will live on as the son of us all, of Nepal,' she stated.

The mortal remains of the late Joshi were returned to Kathmandu from Israel this afternoon.