KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to observe three days of mourning over the demise of Amod Prasad Upadhyay, the democratic fighter, former central committee member, and former minister. The party endorsed a condolence motion over his passing.

The NC Central Working Committee meeting held today under the presidency of party Vice President Dhanraj Gurung made this decision to be effective immediately.

According to the party’s Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel, the party flag will be flown at half-mast for three days beginning today at central, province, and district offices.

Upadhyay passed away on Saturday, December 13, at the age of 91 while undergoing treatment for cancer at Kathmandu-based Hams Hospital.

As per the meeting decisions, party offices from the central to the local level will remain closed on Tuesday, December 16, and condolence registers will be placed at these offices until the 13th day after his death. A condolence assembly will be held in his home district, Morang, on the 13th day.

The final rites of Upadhyay are to be conducted today at Pashupati Aryaghat.

Upadhyay had been nominated to the National Assembly in 2048 BS and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Morang constituency-1 later. He was appointed Minister for Education and Sports in 2056 BS and served as a member of the Legislature Parliament that was reinstated following the historic people’s movement.

He was again elected during the first Constituent Assembly elections from Morang-1. Known as a leader with a decent personality and strong intellect, he spent several periods in jail during his long political career and was also sent into exile.