KATHMANDU: The National Assembly (NA) today endorsed a condolence motion on the demise of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari, who was killed in a chopper crash in Taplejung on Wednesday.

In today's session of the Upper House, NA Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina presented the motion before the house, which was passed unanimously.

The meeting also observed a minute of silence, wishing for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

"The meeting expresses deep sorrow over the demise of Minister Adhikari at the age of 49 on February 27 in a helicopter crash that occurred in Phungling of Taplejung after paying homage to the Pathibhara deity, following an inspection of the (proposed) Chuhan Ddanda Airport in Tehrathum."

Adhikari was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 2008 and 2013, and to the House of Representatives in 2018 from Kaski. He was also the central member of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).

Likewise, late Minister Adhikari was former president of the Legislature-Parliament's Development Committee.

The meeting extended heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family.

Next meeting of the Upper House has been scheduled for 1:00 pm on March 3.