Kathmandu, February 9

Heartfelt condolences poured in from all quarters of life, including President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, leaders of political parties, and former King Gyanandra Shah, on the sad demise of Nepali Congress president and former prime minister Sushil Koirala.

President Bhandari in a message said she was devastated and saddened by the passing away of Koirala. “His contribution to Nepal’s democratic movement as an untiring crusader will always be remembered. His death is an irreparable loss to the country. I pay heartfelt tribute to Koirala and convey my condolences to the bereaved family and well-wishers,” she said.

Unified CPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in a message condoled the passing away of Koirala who he said was a self-sacrificing leader and an untiring fighter of Nepali politics and democratic movement. “On behalf of the Unified CPN-Maoist and myself, I express deepest condolences to Nepali Congress and the bereaved family.

Koirala will best be remembered for the role he played in forging national consensus during the constitution-writing process and its promulgation,” Dahal said.

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, in a condolence message, said, “I am shocked and grieved to hear of the untimely demise of Koirala, who devoted his entire life to the democratic movement while battling with cancer. Simplicity pervaded his life which I hope will inspire many generations to come.”

Former King Shah sent a condolence message to the NC Central Office, Sanepa through his personal aide Pashupati Bhakta Maharjan.

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Kamal Thapa, former chairman of the Council of Ministers Khilraj Regmi, CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Vaidya, leaders of various political parties, Federation of Nepali Journalists and various organisations have also expressed condolences on the passing away of Koirala.

Late NC leader’s mortal remains to be consigned to flames today

Kathmandu, February 9

The last rites of Nepali Congress president and former prime minister Sushil Koirala is scheduled to be held in Pashupati Aryaghat with state honour tomorrow, said NC Central Office, Sanepa.

According to the NC, his mortal remains was kept at the party office from 9.00 pm to 12:00 noon before being shifted to the Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor for the general public to pay their last respects today.

Funeral procession will commence at 2:00 pm from the stadium and pass through Tripureshwor, Putalisadak, Kamalpokhari, Maitidevi and Gaushala to Pashupati Aryaghat tomorrow.

The NC has urged the Pashupati Area Development Trust to make necessary arrangements for Koirala’s cremation at the electric crematorium in Pashupati Aryaghat.

Dr Govinda Tandon confirmed that Koirala would be cremated at the electric crematorium. “However, pre-funeral rituals will be performed on the banks of the Bagmati River as per Hindu tradition,” he informed.