Talking to journalists after offering floral tributes to Rai, the prime minister expressed sadness over Rai´s demise and said Rai was a true democracy fighter. He said Rai dedicated his whole life to democracy. [break]
He said simple life, high thinking, dedication to democratic norms and fighting spirit were the principles of the late Rai. He called Rai a leader who always thought about the welfare of the people and the country. Nepal also recalled Rai´s honesty while he was in the government in the past.
Nepali Congress paid last respects to the late Rai by covering his body with a party flag. Party acting president Sushil Koirala wrapped NC´s flag around Rai´s body.
On the occasion, Koirala said Rai´s demise has caused an irreparable loss to the party and the country.
Senior Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Poudel, vice presidents Gopal Man Shrestha and Prakash Man Singh, general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi, central members, CA members, relatives and a large number of NC cadres were present at Sanepa to pay tributes to Rai.
Likewise, CA Chair Subas Nembang, CPN-UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, Maoist vice chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha, ministers and senior government officials also went to Sanepa to pay tributes to Rai.
NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel said the NC has lost the party´s pillar in the eastern Nepal and the country lost a democracy fighter.
CA chair Nembangs called Rai a fighter of democratic movement and said Rai´s contribution to establishment of democracy, peace and country´s development will be remembered forever.
UML chairman Khanal said Rai played a leading role in the movement for democracy and nationalism.
Rai´s body was kept at NC headquarters from 8-10 am before being flown to his home village of Maula in Okhaldhunga district on a helicopter.
Democracy fighter Bhandari no more
Meanwhile, Nuwakot´s democracy fighter Badriram Bhandari died in Kathmandu Sunday. He was 87.
He was suffering from liver disease. Bhandari had joined the democratic movement while he was still pursuing MBBS study in Benaras in 1950. He had spent 12 years behind the bars for fighting for democracy.
NC leaders Sushil Koirala, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ram Chandra Poudel and other leaders and cadres paid last tributes to Bhandari at NC headquarters at Sanepa Monday morning. Bhandari was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday itself.
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