KATHMANDU, Nov 19: The final rites of Damannath Dhungana, former Speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives, were held with full state honors at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday afternoon. Dhungana passed away on Sunday at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at Frontline Hospital in Baneshwar.
During the cremation ceremony, Dhungana's sons Nimesh and Nishesh, lit the funeral pyre. The Nepalese Army paid tribute with a ceremonial salute. Earlier in the day, Dhungana’s mortal remains were kept at Sanogaucharan for the public to pay homage. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli draped his body with the national flag.
The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav.
Last rites of former speaker Dhungana performed at Pashupati Ar...
The government declared a public holiday on Monday considering the contributions of Dhungana. The council of ministers convened an emergency meeting to honor Dhungana’s contributions, acknowledging his role in Nepal’s democratic and republican movements.
Speaking to the media after paying his tribute to the former speaker, PM Oli described Dhungana as a multifaceted personality who left an indelible mark through his commitment to democracy. “He was beloved by all and inspired many with his determination in favor of democratic values,” Oli said.
Similarly, Maoist Center Chairman Dahal praised Dhungana’s role in Nepal’s peace process and transition to a democratic republic. “The contributions of Damannath Dhungana and Padma Ratna Tuladhar in fostering an environment for the peace agreement, the Constituent Assembly, and the formation of our democratic republic are unforgettable,” Dahal said.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also paid tribute, emphasizing Dhungana’s leadership in strengthening Nepal’s parliamentary system. “He was a visionary leader and constitutionalist who believed the House belonged to the opposition, ensuring the government was accountable,” Lekhak said. He also highlighted Dhungana’s significant role in resolving armed conflict and completing Nepal’s peace process.
Nepali Congress leader and National Assembly member Krishna Prasad Sitaula urged contemporary politicians to emulate Dhungana’s life and values. Recalling Dhungana’s simplicity and progressive thinking, Sitaula noted, “He always championed democratic principles and urged political parties to re-evaluate their paths.”
As a gesture of mourning, the Nepali Congress declared to fly its party flag at half-mast at its central office on November 18 and 19. Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel announced that the central office would remain closed on November 19, following a condolence resolution passed during an emergency meeting of the central committee of the party.
Damannath Dhungana, elected from Kathmandu Constituency-2 in the 2048 BS general election, served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2048 BS to 2051 BS. He was a central figure in Nepal’s democratic movements and a key contributor to the peace process.
