'Democratic achievements cannot be snatched'

Kathmandu, Apr 24: Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koiralatoday said the achievements of the Janaandolan II exactly a year ago,when people celebrated their sovereignty, freedom and democracy withthe end of King Gyanendra absolute rule in the Himalayan nation, cannotbe overestimated. ''Today, Baishakh 11 ( April 24) is a historic day when democracywas established in the country,'' Mr Koirala said in a message on theoccasion of the anniversary of the Popular Movement against KingGyanendra.

''The people's indefatigable courage, unwavering determination,and heroic sacrifices in the people's movement that moved ahead topromote their rights and welfare achieved the desired success on thisday exactly a year ago, and has now climbed an unreachable height.''''This day has entrusted on all of us the responsibility to establishpeace in the country, and build a new, affluent and progressive Nepalby bringing to an end crisis and conflict,'' he said.

On the occasion of Loktantra Day, various programmes are beingheld across the country stressing the need for declaring Nepal arepublic.

The new constitution has suspended Monarchy in the Himalayan Kingdom.

UNI