Documentation of democratic fighters must: Minister Poudel

Katmandu, May 31: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, has said documentation of democratic fighters was essential to recognize their role in restoration of democracy.     

During a programme organized by Bagmati Province committee of Nepal Democratic Fighters' Association in the federal capital on Friday, Minister Poudel reminded that democratic fighters had faced tremendous hardship in their life. Even a book 'Jivanghatha' written based on the life story of democratic fighter Tulsi Narayan Khamu Shrestha was released on the occasion.     

"For lack of credible documentation on democratic fighters, many of them were not in the list. It is worrying in deed. Those who worked for democracy must be recognized and documented, "he stressed.     

Central Chairman of the Association, Balkrishna Dahal, said the democratic fighters must not be forgotten. He demanded the formation of all-powered democratic fighters' commission in order to conduct further study on those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of democracy and country.     

The democratic fighters should be provided reservation in Nepali Congress, he demanded, adding that Association was for the NC to allocate 80 percent of election tickets to those who have not got opportunity so far. Dahal also handed over a memorandum to Minister and central member Poudel and leader Shekhar Koirala.     

As many as 100 persons fighting for the democracy from 13 districts were honoured on the occasion.(RSS)