KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Yam Bhandari, a veteran figure in Nepal’s democratic movement, who passed away at the age of 81.

In a condolence message issued through the party, Thapa described Bhandari as a steadfast fighter for democracy who was active in student politics during the early days of the Nepal Student Union in Jhapa.

Bhandari also took part in the anti-Panchayat movement and was repeatedly jailed and tortured during that period, according to the party.

Thapa extended condolences to Bhandari’s family, calling his passing a major loss for the party and the democratic struggle in Nepal.