Butwal Sub-metropolitan City in Rupandehi district organised a function on Saturday to commemorate the historic victory at Jitgadhi, a fort during the Anglo-Nepal war (1814-16).

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel, Chief Minister of Province 5 Shankar Pokhrel, among other high level officials, attended the function. The provincial government declared Baisakh 7 as the ‘provincial day’ to celebrate the historic victory against the East India Company in 1872 BS.

On the occasion, Oli hoisted a Nepali flag that the organiser claimed to be the largest flag in the country, and unveiled the statue of Colonel Ujir Singh, the commander of Nepali troop during the war.

“Jitgadhi is a symbol of nationality and our identity. It is the best example of our ancestors’ bravery and contribution to the nation. Jitgadhi should be preserved and developed to make it popular all over the world,” said Oli while addressing the function.

PM Oli greeted with black flags

A man waved a black flag at PM Oli by hoodwinking a large number of security personnel while Oli was addressing the function. Rudra Ghimire, a native of Arghakhanchi who currently lives in Butwal-11, waved the black flag from about 50 metres from the stage. There were five security circles of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, National Investigation Department and Municipal Police. Ghimire was taken into custody for investigation, said police.