BIRATNAGAR: Saturday morning, exactly at 11:00 AM.Tight security arrangements were in place at Biratnagar Airport. Due to the VIP movement, heads of security agencies and high-ranking officials stood in a line near the runway to welcome the guest.

However, the look of the arriving Home Minister, Sudhan Gurung, appeared somewhat different from other ministers.

Adorned in a cap, dark sunglasses, and a white t-shirt, the Home Minister looked more informal and energetic rather than bound by formal pomposity. After accepting the salute and welcome from security officials, he proceeded toward the passenger lounge (arrival hall). Right at that moment, a scene unfolded that caught everyone’s attention.

The police had deployed trained dogs to keep the airport’s security system tight. As he was exiting the passenger lounge, Home Minister Gurung’s eyes fell upon one of the dogs. Contrary to the usual nature of ministers who walk solemnly within a security cordon, Gurung stopped in his tracks all of a sudden. He moved closer to intimately mingle with the dog deployed on security duty.

At first, he affectionately stroked the dog. Seeing this affection from the minister, the dog also responded positively, wagging its tail.

Surprisingly, the Home Minister brought his right hand close to the dog’s mouth, and the dog affectionately began to lick his hand.

This rare and seemingly unusual display of intimacy toward animals by a Home Minister was watched with great interest by the security personnel and the general public present there. After exchanging “love” with the dog for a few minutes, he proceeded with his scheduled itinerary.

From the airport, he went straight to inspect the newly constructed building of the District Administration Office, Morang. During the inspection, he took detailed briefings on the overall situation of the district from the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Morang, Yubaraj Kattel.

After observing the building, he showed keen interest in the administration’s land and service delivery.

“I had no idea there was so much land here; I saw it firsthand during today’s inspection,” he said while speaking to the Chief District Officer. “The land is sufficient. If integrated services can be delivered from the same premises and building, it will make things much easier for service seekers.”

After completing the inspection of the administration office, the Home Minister was seen in another completely different light. He went to the Hanuman Temple located right outside the office premises and spent some time offering prayers with deep devotion. He did not disappoint the crowd of well-wishers who were eager to see the minister up close and take pictures with him.

Smilingly, he took photos with everyone before departing for the Koshi Province Police Office in Rani. Currently, he is busy at the Province Police Office with a luncheon and a special briefing with security agencies. Immediately after the conclusion of that program, Home Minister Gurung is scheduled to inspect the Nepal-India border checkpoint, which is located about two kilometers south of the DIG office.

Photos: Anil Shrestha