Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 8:

Deepak Sharma Neupane, chairman of Human Rights For All, today announced that he would burn himself alive at the centre of the Tundhikhel, if the new government, which is yet to come to the power, became able to conduct general elections. Saying holding polls is impossible, he claimed, "The new government cannot hold polls at any cost.” “If it did so, I will immolate myself at the centre of the Open Air Theatre," he announced at an interaction organised jointly by Buddha Jayanti Main Celebration Committee and Peace Development Campaign Nepal to mark the 2548 Buddha Jayanti.

Highlighting the fact that peace is the first and foremost necessity for the development of a nation, Neupane, and a host of other speakers, urged all the political forces to work towards achieving permanent peace in the country. Dr Swami Prapannacharya said the present unrest in the country was due to the failure of the political parties. "King wants peace but he is not getting enough support from the leaders." "A nation cannot achieve sustainable development if peace is at stake," said Kathmandu mayor Keshav Sthapit.