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An Iranian official in the region said on Sunday the authorities had verified at least 5,000 people had been killed in protests in Iran, including about 500 security personnel, blaming "terrorists and armed rioters" for killing "innocent Iranians".

The official, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, also told Reuters some of the heaviest clashes and highest number of deaths were in the Iranian Kurdish areas in northwest Iran, a region where Kurdish separatists have been active and where flare-ups have been among the most violent in past periods of unrest, Reuters reported. 

"The final toll is not expected to increase sharply," the official said, adding that "Israel and armed groups abroad" had supported and equipped those taking to the streets.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has extended best wishes on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar.

In a message issued today, the Prime Minister said, “I extend my heartfelt best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Sonam Lhosar–286, Ta Lho (Year of the Horse), the national cultural festival of indigenous communities, including the Tamang people of the mountain and hilly regions.”

Sonam Lhosar, which is primarily celebrated by the Tamang community as the beginning of the New Year, falls each year on Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight) of the month of Magha. The festival is marked by worship of ancestral deities and nature, remembrance of the Buddha's teachings, family gatherings, and the sharing of joy and goodwill among family members and relatives.

The Hyolmo, Thakali, Jirel, Nesyangwa, Bhote, Dura, and Lepcha communities also observe the festival with enthusiasm. 

Traditional dances, music, and indigenous cuisines showcased during the celebrations are regarded as important means of preserving cultural heritage. 

The Election Commission launched a 'call center’ today with the aim of providing information to voters regarding their election related queries.

EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said that one can call at toll free number 1102 if they have any election related queries. 

There are six desks at the call center. The queries of voters would be resolved simultaneously from these desks, he added.  

The amenity received the first call from Gandaki Province where a person questioned whether the previously scheduled examination of Public Service Commission would be affected or not due to election code of conduct. 

The officers at the call center responded that the previously scheduled PSC examination would not be affected due to election code of conduct. 

The call center runs from 9 am to 6 pm every day, according to EC. 

The facility remains operative until distribution to the election winners. 

Former Minister of State Govinda Nath Upreti passed away at the age of 82 on Monday. 

He died at his residence in Bhumlu Rural Municipality–8, Kavrepalanchowk this morning.

Upreti had long been suffering from respiratory-related complications. 

His spouse had passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then his nephew had been taking care of him. 

According to Ward Chair Motilal Tamang, Upreti, who was involved actively in the leftist movement for many years, was popularly known as the “Red Tiger” in the central-eastern region of Nepal. 

He breathed his last at 3:00 am.

Upreti had served as the Minister of State for Labour and is largely credited with development works in his area, particularly in the eastern Koshi region. 

His final rites are scheduled to be performed at Dolalghat this afternoon.