Former Speaker Dhungana cremated with state honors

Former Speaker Damannath Dhungana was cremated with state honors at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday afternoon. His sons lit the funeral pyre.

Ministers, high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal, heads of security agencies, leaders, activists, well-wishers and common people gathered at Pashupati Aryaghat to pay final tributes.

Before being brought to Pashupati Aryaghat, his body was kept at Sano Gaucharan in Gyaneshwor to pay the final tributes.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had offered respects to former Speaker Dhungana, laying the national flag over his mortal remains there.

Deputy Prime Minister duo Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba among others had reached Sano Gaucharan to pay last tributes.

A Cabinet meeting held this morning had decided to give a public holiday today to mourn the death of Dhungana and cremate with state honors.

Former Speaker Dhungana passed away at Frontline Hospital, Baneshwor on Sunday. He was 83. He had been suffering from liver-related ailment for some time.