2nd Loktantra Day observed

A parade at Kathmandu’s Sainik Manch (army pavilion) marks

the 2nd Loktantra Day on Wednesday. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala

and other high-level government officials attended the programme.

Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, April 23 - The second anniversary of the historical Loktantra Day was observed through out the country on Wednesday to commemorate the victory of Nepalis people over the direct rule of King Gyanendra. Exactly two years back on this very day (Nepali month Baishakh 11), democracy was restored following a nationwide mass uprising popularly known as April movement for the reinstatement of parliament dissolved by the King.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala stated that the responsibility to transform Nepal into a peace and prosperous nation has come upon everyone’s shoulder, in his special message. Stressing on the need of making the responsibility a success through mutual harmony, PM Koirala called on all to end poverty, scarcity, illiteracy and unemployment in the country by establishing new culture and tradition.

Likewise, CPN-UML Acting General Secretary Amrit Bohora underscored the need to focus on drafting a new Constitution adding it is the responsibility of everyone at this historical juncture. Also on this special day for all Nepalis, senior NC leader and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba offered condolences to the martyrs and conveyed his best wishes to the people.

Marking the Loktantra Day, a special programme was organised at the Army forum in Tudikhel in which Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, other Ministers, Speaker, Chief Justice, constitutional heads, heads of security agencies among others participated. The government also held a tea reception at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sheetal Niwas this noon. Ministers, speaker of the parliament, leaders of various political parties, high ranking officials, heads of foreign diplomatic agencies, industrialists, businessmen and prominient figures of diiferent fields were present in the reception organised by the PM. Speaking to the press during the reception, Speaker Subash Nemwang said that formulation of a new constitution is the chief responsibility of the CA. “High level of understanding between the all the major political parties is essential. Unity among the people of all castes, ethnicity and religion is necessary. Then only can we formulate a feasible and strong new constitution,” Nemwang said.

However, senior leaders of CPN-Maoist did not attend the PM’s reception.
Various programmes have been organised, not just in the capital but, nationwide to mark the historical day. The Home Ministry has urged everyone to light up their houses in the evening for three days starting Tuesday to mark the Loktantra Day.