Democracy fighter Pandit passes away in Bhaktapur

BHAKTAPUR: Democracy fighter Leela Bahadur Pandit passed away at his house at Sudal in Bhaktapur on Tuesday night.

84-year-old Pandit had been suffering for long from lung problem.

He had altogether spent 18 years in jail in course of the struggle for reinstatement of democracy in the country. Pandit had also worked as a cook for Nepali Congress veteran leaders late Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, late Girija Prasad Koirala, Ram Chandra Poudel, Sher Bahadur Deuba, when they were in jail together.

Pandit did not occupy any executive post in the Nepali Congress (NC) although he actively participated in the movement for restoration of democracy.

He was cremated in accordance with the Hindu tradition last night.

Meanwhile, the NC Bhaktapur chapter has expressed deep sorrow over Pandit's death. In a condolence statement, NC Bhaktapur president Durlav Thapa has stated that NC Bhaktapur had lost its guardian with Pandit's demise and the party would be guided by Pandit's sacrifice and dedication for the cause of democracy.