Kathmandu, July 28

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala today expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President of India and imminent scientist APJ Abdul Kalam.

Kalam died yesterday at the age of 83.

In a message, Prime Minister Koirala expressed his condolence to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, relatives of Kalam and the Indian people, on behalf of the government and people of Nepal and on his own.

“I am saddened to hear the news of former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam passing away,” PM Koirala said. “Nepal has lost a good friend and I have lost an honoured and ideal personality.”

Also known as the father of India’s missile programme, Kalam died in Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

In a separate message to Modi, PM Koirala also condemned the terrorist attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab of India and expressed deep sorrow and grief on loss of innocent lives. At least nine people were killed in the terrorist attack in a Police station.

“Nepal strongly condemns terrorism in all its form and manifestations. Terrorism is a big enemy to peace, stability, democracy and development,” Koirala said in his message. “Terrorism is a common disease. The cowardly and senseless act of terrorism must therefore be fought firmly and unequivocally.”

Prime Minister Koirala also praised the Indian security officials who fought the barbaric attacks and defeated the evil acts against humanity.