SANKHUWASABHA: The statue of Yalamber, first Kirant king, which was erected 16 years ago in Mudhe Bazaar of Tamaphok -8, Sankhuwasabha, has turned to ruins for lack of protection.

The 14-feet statue was erected at Rs 550,000, including funds from the government and the locals. The statue located at 2400 metres can be seen from various parts of eastern Nepal. According to Rishi Keshav Chapagain of CPN-UML, parts of the statue have been stolen. "The statue awaits renovation and o protection," he added. However, a committee for its protection is not serving its purpose. Shyam Bahadur Poudel, a local opined that security should be in place to protect the statue.

Bhim Lingkha, a local social worker, had designed the statue. The locals have demanded the maintenance of the statue.