Last rites of former Minister for Education and leader of the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Mangal Siddhi Manandhar were performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat on Saturday as per the Buddhist rituals. Manandhar, who was undergoing treatment at Thapathali-based Norvic International Hospital in the capital for prostate cancer, passed away at 10:45am on Friday. He was 75.

Manandhar also served as the vice-chair of the National Planning Commission. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Earlier this morning, his body was kept at the party’s office in Tinkune for paying last tribute.

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Onsari Gharti, CPN Revolutionary Maoist Vice-Chairman CP Gajurel, CPN-UML Secretary

Pradeep Gyawali, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Barshaman Pun, lawmaker Shyam Shrestha and leaders of various Madhes-based parties paid their last respects to Manandhar.