RUKUM: People's honour for late Girija Prasad Koirala is rising in rural Rukum. The locals are linking the demise of the former prime minister with the uncertain future of the country as the late Koirala had brought the erstwhile CPN-Maoist to the political mainstream.

More than 1,000 locals signed a condolence register kept here on the premises of Balmandir yesterday. Many who signed the register also questioned, "Where does the country head now?"

The huge number of locals mourning his death has undoubtedly exemplified that Koirala was a great leader of the nation.

Leaders and cadres of various political parties, staffers of government and non-government offices including the commoners signed the register. Most of the people expressed concerns about country’s future.

They feared that the fall of Koirala may adversely affect the future of the nation.The commoners also praised him for his political contribution.

The condolence programme that started in the morning went on till late in the evening. Hundreds of people also kept their eyes fixed at Televisions to watch the final rites of Koirala.