UML leader Dhakal passes away

KATHMANUD, Apr 5: UML politburo member Ramnath Dhakal, who was undergoing treatment at Dhapashi-based Grande Hospital, passed away on Sunday, Hospital Director Dr. Chakra Pandey confirmed.

The UML leader was admitted at the hospital on March 27 after contracting what has been suspected as the swine flu.

“Dhakal’s immunity was dangerously weakened as he was a patient of Tuberculosis and Cancer along with swine flu,” said Dr Pandey.

UML Leader Bahanubhakta informed about Dhakal’s death and said his last rites would be carried out after consulting his family. UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said the party is holding discussion regarding the final rites of Dhakal.

Dhakal had driven himself to the hospital before being admitted. Preparations were being made to airlift Dhakal to the Indian Capital New Delhi for treatment. It has been learn that the air ambulance could not come to Kathmandu because of inclement weather condition.

He was also the chairman of the State Affairs Committee of the Legislature-Parliament.

A former lawmaker, Dhakal was also the former Chairman of UML student wing All Nepal National Free Students’ Union.