KATHMANDU – Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said those who contributed to restoring democracy amid adversities during the Panchayat system would be honoured.
For the restoration of democracy, the PM pointed out contributions of Hom Nath Dahal and Kamal Chitrakar through various ways. He was addressing an event organised to honour democratic fighters today at Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar by the Democratic Thoughts Society.
“The Rastrapukar weekly helped restore democracy by exposing exploitation against democratic activities and democrats during the Panchayat system. Dahal edited and published the magazine. He then played an important role in reestablishing democracy through journalism. The then mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Chitrakar taught political culture to youths like us. He awakened the society through democratic norms and values,” the Prime Minister said.
In another context, he expressed the hope that the parliamentary and provincial election would contribute to the institutional development of democratic norms and values. People would unite to safeguard democracy, he said.
On the occasion, Chitrakar and Dahal were honoured with the ‘ Democratic Fighter Honour’ for the year 2077 and 78 BS respectively in recognition of their contribution to the restoration of democracy from the respective quarters. The award carries a purse of Rs 25,000 each and a copper plaque.
It is said, senior journalist Dahal had his contribution to the democratic movements, and to the elevation of the Nepali language and literature through the means of journalism. On the occasion, he was acknowledged for his role in bringing out voices of the voiceless during the Panchayat system.
