KATHMANDU: Laxman Khadka, who describes himself as a helper of Nepal, today performed a Shraddha ( special annual ritual in honour of the dead) of King Prithivi Narayan Shah.

The ritual was performed at the western gate of Singha Durbar, the administrative headquarters of the country. The ritual lasted two hours, while Khadka posed himself as a descendant of the late King. Hindu priest Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, hailing from Kavre district, helped him perform the rituals. "Shraddha is a special honour to Prithivi Narayan Shah, who unified the nation," Khadka argued.

Khadka alleged that political parties were paying little respect to the contribution of the late King. "I will not forget him till my last breath. I salute the late King for what he did for the country," he added. Khadka said that he would perform the ritual every year from now on. Hundreds of onlookers thronged the Singha Durbar gate to witness the ritual.

Khadka appealed to all to cooperate with him to 'save the nation from the hands of con leaders'.