Former minister and Nepali Congress leader Homnath Dahal passed away on Friday evening at the age of 87.

According to family members, Dahal breathed his last while being taken from his residence in Maitidevi to Bir Hospital for treatment.

A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee on Saturday decided to fly the Nepali Congress flag at half-mast for three days to mourn Dahal’s death.

Dahal had been suffering from asthma and other illnesses for a long time, family members said.

Dahal, who fought for democracy and press freedom, also served as president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and chairman of state-run Gorkhapatra Corporation. Dahal served as a Member of Parliament from Okhaldhunga, the party’s spokesperson, and a minister. He is survived by his wife Sudha Dahal, two sons—Sudhamshu and Himamshu—and other family members. His wife is currently undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital.

Born in November 1941 in Rampur, Okhaldhunga, Dahal was widely recognised as a symbol of indomitable courage, integrity, and struggle in the development of Nepal’s journalism sector, the protection of freedom of expression, and the establishment of democracy.