Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 1:

Tamu Dhee Association of the United Kingdom, today distributed a sum of Rs 73, 240 to families of the 12 Nepalis killed by the terrorist group Alsur All Suun in Iraq.

The Gurung community in the UK donated the amount following a donation drive launched by the Dhee association in that country.

Members of four families of the victims were present at a programme here orgaised to hand over the fund. The other families’ share will be given through the Tamu Boudha Sewa Samiti (TBSS) and the Tamu National Committee.

President of TBSS, Toran Bahadur Gurung, and president of Nepal Foreign Employment Association, Nirmal Gurung, handed over the amount to the families. Devaka Adhikary, whose son Prakash Adhikary was one of the victims, thanked the Nepalis in the UK for their concern. “Despite requests and appeals to the government, we could not save our sons. It is a great tragedy,” she said.

Bishnu Hari Thapa, father of victim Bhim Bahadur, Kamala, wife of Jit Bahadur Thapa, the father of Ramesh Khadka, Jit Bahadur, and Prakash Adhikary’s mother, Devaka Adhikary, attended the programme and accepted the cash.

Prof Chandra Bahadur Gurung, chief advisor of the Tamu Dhee Association, UK, said: “The concern shown by Gurungs in the UK shows their love for Nepal and the Nepali people.”

“Foreign employment plays an important role in our economy. Some fraud manpower agenices and the weak diplomatic circle made this tradgedy happen,” Nirmal Gurung said.