When the CPN (Maoist) Centre elected 34-year-old Krishna Shah to the Provincial Assembly under the proportional respresentation category, it was her 80-year-old mother-in-law Ayerawati Acharya who seemed most pleased by the party’s gesture.

Five of Ayerawati’s family members and close relatives, who had joined the Maoist rebellion, were killed during the decade-long civil war.

For her, Krishna’s election as a lawmaker of Province 6 is a recognition accorded by the Maoist party on her two children Indralal and Mamita; two granddaughters Ambika and Kalpana; and son-in-law Buddi Chapagain, who sacrificed their lives for the rebellion.

On January 30, the CPN (Maoist Centre) organised a function at Ayerwati’s house at Jagatipur Village in Bheri Municipality-11, Jajarkot, to pay tribute to the martyrs and to felicitate Krishna on the occasion of the Martyrs’ Day.

The event was both solemn as jubilant for Ayerawati, her remaining family members and the villagers of Jagadipur. People who attended the ceremony paid homage to 15 martyred villagers and exchanged greetings with one another to celebrate Krishna’s election.

Ayerawati offered her blessings to Krishna and honour the martyrs by bringing development to the village and by promoting good governance.

“I hope she will work towards realising the martyrs’ dreams and honour their sacrifice by working for the overall development of this village and the country,” she said.

Krishna vowed to work for the welfare of the people and never forget the contributions of the martyrs.

“I pledge to keep my personal interests aside while doing my work and always persevere towards achieving the goals that will benefit the people and the country,” she said.

Krishna, who is also a central member of the Maoist Centre, also promised to support the families of martyrs. She feels that the government has not done enough to help the families of martyrs.