Kathmandu, April 23:

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has called for new thinking, new culture and new traditions to transform Nepal into a peaceful and prosperous country.

PM Koirala stated this while addressing a special function organised at the Army Pavilion,Tundikhel, to mark the Loktantra Diwas.

The Loktantra Diwas is observed to mark the success of the Janandolan-II, which forced the autocratic royal regime to restore parliament and all the sovereign rights of the people.

Stating that Nepal has entered a new epoch of democratic system after the Constituent Assembly election, PM Koirala reiterated, “No one can now take away the people’s rights achieved through the people’s movement.”

“This is a glorious day in Nepal’s history,” the octogenarian premier added in his statement, which was read out by the Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel.

Chief Justice, Speaker, ministers, senior government officials, heads of constitutional bodies, political leaders, and dignitaries from various walks of life, students and common people alike attended the gala function.

However, ministers representing CPN-UML did not show up at the function, following the party’s decision to pull out of the coalition government.

Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Cadet Corps, Nepal Scout, and students staged parades and army choppers hoisting banner of the Loktantra Diwas, showered flower petals at the function venue.

Several cultural, musical and martial arts tactics were also demonstrated at the function.

The government also hosted a reception to celebrate the Loktantra Diwas at the Foreign Ministry at Shital Niwas.