BHAKTAPUR, Feb 14: Democracy fighter Leela Bahadur Pandit passed away at his house at Sudal here on Tuesday night.

The 84-year-old Pandit had been suffering from lung problem for long. 

He spent altogether 18 years in jail in course of the struggle for reinstatement of democracy in the country. Pandit also worked as a cook for Nepali Congress veteran leaders like the late Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, the late Girija Prasad Koirala, Ram Chandra Poudel, Sher Bahadur Deuba when they were in jail together. 

Pandit did not occupy any executive post in the Nepali Congress party although he actively participated in the movement for restoration of democracy at the call of the Nepali Congress. He was cremated in accordance with Hindu tradition last night. 

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress Bhaktapur chapter has expressed deep sorrow over Pandit's death. In a condolence statement, Nepali Congress Bhaktapur president Durlav Thapa has stated that the NC Bhaktapur has lost its guardian in Pandit's demise and the party would be guided by the sacrifice and dedication made by the late Pandit for the cause of democracy. 

 
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