KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 20 Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited the revered Muktinath Temple in Baragung Muktikshetra–1 on Thursday and instructed district officials to ensure the upcoming elections are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Arriving by a Nepali Army helicopter, the Prime Minister performed rituals at the temple, including bathing under the 108 stone spouts, and offered prayers. During her visit, local officials briefed her on infrastructure constraints at the temple site. Representatives of the Muktinath Development Committee said several proposed projects - including reconstruction of the 108 taps, construction of changing rooms, an annex building and facilities for Buddhist nuns - remain stalled pending approval from the Department of Archaeology. The Prime Minister assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities. After spending about an hour at the temple, she proceeded to Jomsom, where she held discussions with security and election officials at the Indrabaks Battalion. Prime Minister Karki directed authorities to conduct the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 in a free, fair, fear-free and credible environment. She was briefed by Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma on the district's security arrangements, while District Chief Election Officer Bidyaraj Paudel updated her on election preparations. (With inputs from RSS)