KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki have visited the sacred Muktinath Temple located in Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality–1.

Arriving here by a Nepal Army helicopter, Prime Minister Karki performed ritual bathing under the 108 water spouts at Muktinath before offering prayers at the temple.

On her way to the temple, she was welcomed by  Chairperson of the Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality Rinjin Namgel Gurung, Assistant Chief District Officer Eknarayan Bhandari, Vice-Chairperson of the Muktinath Development Committee Rinjin Namgel Gurung, Manager Dinesh Bhusal, and the village chief of Muktinath Ranipauwa, among others.

Assistant Chief District Officer Bhandari said that as Prime Minister Karki walked about 200 meters uphill to the temple along with security personnel and aides, she also interacted with domestic and foreign pilgrims and tourists.

During the visit, Chairperson Gurung and Muktinath Development Committee Manager Bhusal informed the Prime Minister about the problems faced by devotees at the temple.

Vice-Chairperson Gurung stated that although files for necessary infrastructure development plans in the temple area have been submitted to the Department of Archaeology, delays in approval have prevented the work from moving forward.

“We have submitted files to the Department of Archaeology for eight projects including a changing room, reconstruction of the 108 taps, construction of an annex building, residence block for anis (Buddhist nuns) and visitor-friendly infrastructure in Muktinath Temple. The work has not progressed due to delays in approval of the plan, and the Prime Minister has been verbally informed of this matter,” he said.

In response, Prime Minister Karki stated that the necessary process will be taken forward after consulting with the Director General of the Department of Archaeology, said Bhusal, the manager of the Muktinath Development Committee.

After spending about an hour at Muktinath, PM Karki headed to the Indrabaks Battalion of the Nepali Army in Jomsom via a Nepal Army helicopter.

PM Karki’s directive for making elections successful

Prime Minister Karki has directed that the House of Representatives elections to be held on March 5 be conducted in a free, fair, fear-free and credible environment.

Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said that during the election-related discussion and interaction held at the Indrabaks Battalion in Jomsom the Prime Minister directed the authorities to ensure a peaceful environment for the election.

“Work wholeheartedly to make the election successful. You are doing well. Prepare in a way that no problems arise,” CDO Sharma quoted Prime Minister Karki as saying.

Prime Minister Karki was briefed by Chief District Officer Sharma on the overall security situation of the district and the security plans for the elections.

Similarly, the District Chief Election Officer Bidyaraj Paudel provided information to the Prime Minister about the progress and other matters related to the House of Representatives member election so far.