Former Speaker Dhungana laid to rest with state honors at Pashupati (photos)
In honor of the former Speaker, a 17-gun salute was also given.
KATHMANDU: Former Speaker Damannath Dhungana has been laid to rest with full state honors at the Aryaghat in Pashupatinath.
On the occasion, a military unit from the Nepal Army presented a guard of honor to the late Dhungana. His sons performed the last rites by lighting the funeral pyre.
In honor of the former Speaker, a 17-gun salute was also given.
Dhungana, who had been receiving treatment for a health issue related to his liver for some time, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday afternoon at the Frontline Hospital in Old Baneshwor.
A number of dignitaries, including Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, National Assembly Speaker Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, political leaders, lawmakers, professionals, and the general public gathered at Arya Ghat to pay their respects to Dhungana.
Upon his death, Dhungana’s body was kept at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital’s morgue before being brought to the Sano Gaucharn at Gyaneshwar for morning tributes.
Leaders from various political parties, including the Prime Minister, Speaker, and Nepali Congress President, visited the location to offer their condolences.
The Nepal Government decided to conduct his funeral with state honors and declared a public holiday in his memory.
Throughout his life, Dhungana was a staunch advocate for multi-party systems, democracy, peace, and human rights. He played a crucial role in ending the Maoist insurgency and bringing peace to Nepal.
A constitutional and legal expert, Dhungana was known for his outspoken criticism of the political corruption and irregularities that plagued the country.
In 2048 B.S. (1991), Dhungana was elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu Constituency No. 2 and later became the Speaker of the House.
He made significant contributions to institutionalizing Nepal’s parliamentary system and democratic values.
As a member of the 2047 B.S. (1990) Constitution Drafting Commission, Dhungana was actively involved in the formation of the Constitution.
Currently, he was engaged in discussions with legal experts and political figures regarding the amendment of the Constitution to strengthen federalism and resolve the ongoing political instability in the country.
