Nepal President condoles passing away of Girija Prasad Koirala

Kathmandu, March 20 (ANI): Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav on Saturday condoled the passing away of former Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who died earlier in the day at his daughter Sujata Koirala's residence in Mandikatar.

In a condolence message, Yadav said: "Koirala's death has left an unfilled gap in Nepal's history. His contribution to the country's development will always be remembered by people."

Yadav further said that the passing away of Koirala marks the end of an era in Nepalese politics.

Born on 1925, Koirala 85, had been Prime Minister of Nepal four times, serving from 1991 to 1994, 1998 to 1999, 2000 to 2001, and from 2006 to 2008; he was also Acting Head of State from January 2007 to July 2008.

Koirala staked his political career on making peace with the Maoist rebels who waged a decade-long insurgency against the state.

He also played a crucial role in turning Nepal into a Republic through abolition of 240-year-old monarchy two years ago.

The body of the veteran leader will be kept at Dasrath Rangshala Stadium tomorrow from 8 a.m. to enable people to pay their last respects. (ANI)