Former Speaker Dhungana's body being kept at Sanogaucharan for homage

Kathmandu, Nov 18: The mortal body of former Speaker Damannath Dhungana is to be kept in Gyaneswor-based Sanogaucharan from 11.00 am this morning for homage.    

Prime Minister and CPN-(UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, leaders of various political parties and people from different walks of life will reach there to pay final tribute to Dhungana.    

Former Speaker Dhungana who had been undergoing treatment for liver-related problems for some time, died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 83 at the Frontline Hospital in Baneswor. Dhungana's body was then kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.    

Dhungana's body will be cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat, after paying homage at Sanogaucharan, his family sources informed.    

The government is preparing to decide on the honour to be offered to the late Dhungana during his funeral through cabinet meeting this morning.    

Meanwhile, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has drawn the government's attention to make arrangements for the last rites of former Speaker Dhungana with state honours.    

Dhungana, who has been a lifelong advocate for multi-party system, democracy, peace and human rights in Nepal, also played an important role in restoring peace by ending the armed conflict in the country.    

He was an expert on the constitution and the law, who always remained vocal against political anomalies and aberrations.    

He became the Speaker in 2048 BS after being elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Kathmandu constituency-2. He has made a great contribution in institutionalizing Nepal's parliamentary system and democratic values.    

He was established as the second generation leader of the Nepali Congress who stood firm on principles, integrity, self-respect and morality and facilitated for resolving political disputes through national unity and reconciliation. (RSS)