KATHMANDU, July 12: Sita Dahal, wife of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, breathed her last on Wednesday morning at the age of 69.
Following a decline in her oxygen levels, Sita was admitted to Norvic Hospital at 7:30 am on Wednesday. She passed away while undergoing treatment at Norvic International Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu.
According to the hospital, Sita had been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Parkinsonism, Diabetes Mellitus-ll, and Hypertension, and was under (on/off) Domiciliary oxygen with PEG feeding and indwelling catheter. At 8 am, she experienced cardiac arrest, and despite resuscitation efforts, she could not be revived. The hospital pronounced her dead at 08:33 am.
The final rites of Dahal were performed with state honors at Pashupati Aryaghat in Kathmandu on Wednesday afternoon. The government, in a cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, had decided to accord state honors to the late Dahal. A contingent of the Nepalese Army offered a guard of honor, and the national flag of Nepal was draped over her mortal remains as a final tribute.
President Paudel sends condolence message to PM Dahal
Prime Minister Dahal personally lit the funeral pyre, with their daughters Renu Dahal and Ganga Dahal joining their father in bidding farewell to their beloved mother.
Prior to the final rites, Sita's mortal remains were kept at the party central office at Parisdanda, Koteshwor, for people to pay their respects. The procession then made its way to the Aryaghat for the final rituals.
Among those present at the Aryaghat to pay their tributes were Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, and other high-ranking leaders. The final rites of the late Dahal were attended by ministers, government officials, leaders, and cadres from the CPN (Maoist Centre), as well as a significant number of well-wishers.
Political leaders from across parties have expressed their heartfelt condolences over the demise of Sita Dahal, mourning the loss of a remarkable and influential figure.
Indian PM Modi, Chinese envoy extend condolence to PM Dahal on the demise of his wife
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended condolences to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on the demise of his wife Sita Dahal.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said he is extremely saddened to learn about the demise of Sita Dahal. “I express my sincere condolences to [Pushpa Kamal Dahal] and pray that the departed soul finds eternal peace. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of China to Nepal Cheng Song has extended condolences to Prime Minister Dahal and his family members. “ [I am] extremely saddened to hear the demise of Mrs. Sita Dahal, beloved wife and revolutionary companion of the Prime Minister. At this difficult time, I want to express my deep condolences to Prime Minister Prachanda and his family,” he tweeted.
