Jhapa, July 25:

The Delhi-Kathmandu Chetana Yatra entered Nepal through Kankarbhitta today.

Nepali Congress central member Chakra Prasad Banstola, Jhapa district chairman of the Nepali Congress Sudhir Siwakoti, alternate central committee member of the CPN (UML) Naresh Kharel, Jyoti Singh Darlami of Janamorcha, Khagendra Prasai of the CPN (ML), Bhisma Angdambe of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), regional bureau chief of the CPN (Maoist) Rajendra welcomed the participants at the procession by garlanding them. Thousands of locals were present on the occasion.

Speaking at a function held on the premises of the Mechi customs office, general secretary of the Indian National Congress, professor Devi Prasad Tripathy, the team leader, said they have come to Nepal to thank Nepalis for their participation in India’s independence movement.

The ‘Nepal Chetana Flag’ offered by former Indian prime minister Chandra Shekhar will be handed over to the Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, Tripathy said.

Welcoming the team, Nepali Congress central member Chakra Prasad Banstola termed friendly relations between Nepal and India long-lasting. Regional bureau chief of the CPN (Maoist) Rajendra urged the Indian team to initiate moves for the release of Maoists jailed in India. The Yatra kicked off from the official residence of former Indian prime minister Chandra Shekhar on July 20.