Bhattarai lauds India's role in restoring peace in Nepal

Varanasi, Feb 23 (UNI) Former Nepalese Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai today praised India's role in ''restoration'' of democracy and peace in the Himalayan Kingdom.

The veteran Nepali leader was addressing a function organised by Centre for Nepal Studies, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here.

''India has played an integral role in my life. I have always been inspired by luminaries including Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Ram Manohar Lohia,'' observed the BHU alumnus.

Nepali Congress leader Pradip Giri also lauded India's role in restoration of democracy and peace in Nepal.

''Mr Bhattarai religiously feels India has played a seminal role in restoration of democracy in Nepal,'' Mr Giri added.

He said ''Nepal is against any kind of terrorism and will never let its land be used against India.'' UNI