15th memorial day of former PM Koirala being commemorated today

Kathmandu, March 20: The 15th memorial day of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is being marked today by organizing various programmes. Late Koirala had played a leading role to bring the agitating side in the mainstream of peaceful politics by ending armed conflict in the country.    

Koirala led the movements that took place after the then King Gyanendra Shah started appointing Prime Minister of his favour by removing people-elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on October 4, 2002.    

He led the movement for the establishment of democracy by uniting all parties after King Gyanendra on February 1, 2005 appointed himself as the Chairman of Council of Ministers, banning the political parties.    

King Gyanendra on April 24, 2006 had agreed to restore the dissolved House of Representatives as per the roadmap of agitating seven political parties. Koirala became the prime minister for the fourth time after the movement of seven political parties became successful.    

The reinstated House of Representatives had on May 18, 2006 curtailed all rights of the palace and limited the King to a ceremonial role.   

 
Management of arms along with adjustment of the then Maoist people's liberation army of was conducted under Koirala's leadership.

    
Under GP Koirala's leadership, NC founder leader BP Koirala's dream of holding the constituent assembly elections was fulfilled on April 10, 2008 after more than six decades. Although the first Constituent Assembly could not promulgate the constitution, it has become a historic event in the history of Nepal.    

With the first Constituent Assembly election, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist), which had launched an armed revolt against the State, participated in the parliamentary multi-party political competition.    

Koirala, a four-time prime minister, also served as acting head of state in his last term. GP Koirala had played the role of acting head of state after King Gyanendra was suspended.    

Under the able leadership of former Prime Minister Koirala, Nepal was established as a federal democratic republic with the abolishment of the Shah-dynasty monarchy with a history of 240 years on May 28, 2008.    

Koirala, who was established as a political leader who walked the talk, passed away on March 20, 2010.  

  
The Nepali Congress, its sister and affiliated organizations and well-wishers are marking Koirala's 15th Memorial Day by organizing various programmes today to commemorate his contribution to the establishment of peace in Nepal.   

 
On this occasion, GP Koirala Foundation organized a program in his memory in the capital today.  (RSS)