Damak, Nov. 29: Purna Nanda Sharma Dahal (P. N. Sir), the former chairman of the Nepali Congress Jhapa District Committee, and a democratic freedom fighter, has passed away. He was 88.  

Sharma, a permanent resident of Kamal Rural Municipality-6, passed away while receiving treatment at Birta City Hospital on Monday evening.

During the democratic movements, Sharma was arrested and jailed for more than five years. 

Raju Neupane, a local leader of the Nepali Congress, said Sharma was repeatedly arrested during the movements launched for restoring the multiparty system in the Panchayat period. 

Sharma was admitted to Purna-Tunga Birta City Hospital in Birtamod for treatment after he faced heart and respiratory problems. It is said that he was ill for the past one month. 

Sharma had also written a book titled ‘Results of Sacrifice’ (Tyaag ko Parinaam) covering the subjects of the democratic movement.

Nepali Congress general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma reached Sharma’s residence on Monday evening to pay his tribute and express condolence to the bereaved family members. 

NC general secretary Sharma said that the party had lost a tireless warrior and ideal leader of eastern Nepal. 

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Jhapa has announced that it would mourn Sharma’s demise for three days and would not organise any formal programme during the period.