Bhairahawa, April 20 Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said that protest and criticism would not deter his government from pursuing the goal of prosperity and development. Addressing a victory ceremony organised at Jitgadhi fort of Rupandehi’s Butwal, PM Oli reiterated that the government was not scared of protests and criticisms from opposition parties and groups. He said that his government was committed to achieving the goals of peace, rule of law, prosperity and development. “Some parties might be scared of the government’s commitment to development and its works. But the government will not fear protests and criticisms,” he said. Oli argued that Jitgadhi was the pride and token of sovereignty for Nepal and Nepalis. “It is our responsibility to preserve history and develop this area,” Oli said. Lauding Jitgadhi fort where the Nepali forces had defeated English troops during the Anglo-Nepal war, PM Oli stressed the need to protect forts and gadhis across the country. At the programme, PM Oli hoisted the national flag on the 52 feet tall mast and unveiled a statue of Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa. At the programme, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwor Pokhrel said that the government was working to preserve history. Province 5 Chief Minister Shankar Pokhrel said the provincial government had accorded top priority to Jitgadhi fort and urged the central government to also prioritise it. A Nepali force led by Colonel Ujir Singh had defeated English forces 204 years ago at Jitgadhi fort. Butwal Sub-metropolitan City had declared public holiday on April 20 to mark the victory of Nepali forces over the British since last year.