MUSTANG: Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki today visited the Muktinath Temple located in Baragung Muktikshetra-1, Mustang.
Arriving by a helicopter of the Nepali Army, Prime Minister Karki performed the traditional ritual of bathing under the 108 stone spouts on the temple premises and offered prayers to Lord Muktinath.
She was welcomed by Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality Chairperson Rinzin Namgel Gurung, who is also Vice-Chairperson of the Muktinath Development Committee, Assistant Chief District Officer Eknarayan Bhandari, Committee Administrator Dinesh Bhusal, and local representatives.
According to Assistant CDO Bhandari, the Prime Minister interacted with local and foreign devotees and tourists while walking about 200 meters from the helipad to the temple, accompanied by security personnel and aides.
During the visit, local officials briefed the Prime Minister on challenges faced by devotees, particularly delays in infrastructure development. Committee representatives informed her that proposals for eight infrastructure projects — including changing rooms, reconstruction of the 108 taps, an annex building, residential quarters for Buddhist nuns (anis), and other visitor-friendly facilities — have been submitted to the Department of Archaeology but remain pending approval.
In response, Prime Minister Karki assured officials that necessary steps would be taken after consultation with the Department’s Director General.
After spending about an hour at Muktinath, she flew to Jomsom and visited the Indrabaks Battalion of the Nepali Army.
PM directs authorities to ensure successful elections
During an interaction program at the battalion, Prime Minister Karki instructed district officials to ensure that the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 is conducted in a free, fair, credible, and fear-free environment.
Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said the Prime Minister emphasized the need for thorough preparation to avoid any disruption.
“Work wholeheartedly to make the election successful. You are doing well. Prepare in a way that no problems arise,” CDO Sharma quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The Prime Minister was briefed by CDO Sharma on the district’s overall security situation and election security plans. District Chief Election Officer Bidyaraj Paudel also updated her on preparations and progress related to the House of Representatives election.
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