Nepal declares state mourning for Koirala

Kathmandu, March 20 : The Nepal government Sunday announced three-day state mourning for former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who passed away Saturday after multiple organ failures at the age of 85.

Culture Minister Minendra Rijal told journalists after an emergency meeting of the cabinet that the national flag will fly at half-mast in Nepal and all missions abroad for three days from Sunday.

The government has also announced a state funeral Sunday for five-time prime minister Koirala, whose leadership saw an end to monarchy in Nepal and the transformation into a secular republic from the world's only Hindu kingdom. Sunday will be obsrved as closed day across Nepal.

India's Ambassador Rakesh Sood paid his last respects to Koirala Saturday. Many Indian leaders are expected to arrive in Nepal to take part in the funeral.

Koirala's Nepali Congress party had supported India's freedom struggle and the late leader was known personally to many Indian leaders.