Pokhara : Gandaki Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta has expressed grief and paid tribute to former Province Chief Prithviman Gurung, who passed away on Saturday morning.

Issuing a condolence message, Provincial Chief Bhatt mentioned that he is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Gurung.

“I feel a great loss from the passing of Gurung, a capable and experienced personality who served as the guardian of Gandaki Province for about 32 months and bore significant responsibility as the Province Chief,” he stated.

The condolence message reads: “May the bereaved family and relatives of the late Gurung, who have lost a strong guardian, find the strength to endure this grief. On behalf of all the people of Gandaki Province and myself personally, I extend heartfelt condolences.”

Born in Ward No. 4 of the former Ghale VDC of Kaski district in Gandaki Province, Gurung had been residing with his family in Bharatpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 26, Divyanagar, in Chitwan district after relocating there.

Former Chief Gurung, who had been battling cancer in recent years, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 76 at his residence in Divyanagar. His family has announced that the funeral will be held on Sunday.

Gurung was appointed as Province Chief on Shrawan 12, 2078 B.S. and was relieved of the post on Falgun 28, 2080 B.S.