Himalayan News Service

Kirtipur, June 8:

At the time when the local body officials nominated by the then government led by Surya Bahadur Thapa are resigning en masse most of them citing moral grounds or personal reasons though it is assumed that they have stepped down due to the increasing threat by the Maoists, one mayor says he is determined to accomplish the development works he has initiated and that he would step down only when a ‘suitable substitute’ is found. This man, Sishir Dhital, the mayor of Kirtipur municipality says, “I accepted the post of mayor to work for the benefit of the city dwellers and will continue to do so until a suitable substitute is found to takeover the job.” Dhital, who was nominated the mayor of the city some 15 months ago by the Surya Bahadur Thapa goverment further said, “We have launched number of development works in various parts of the city and they cannot be left stranded.”

Asked if he should resign from the post on moral grounds, the mayor said, “I am morally bound to the people of Kirtipur and the political changes does not affect me.” He also denied receiving any threat by the Maoists and said that such threats were mere media talk. “I have not received any warning, but yes I have read about such in the newspapers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Raja Ram Shrestha, former deputy mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and other former nominated officials linked with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) were to hold discussions on whether to resume the post, today. Shrestha was not available for comments but mayor Dhital confirmed saying, “I am invited by Shrestha to discuss over the matter.”