The government has declared Thursday as a national mourning day to pay tribute to those killed in a chopper crash that took place in Pathibhara, Taplejung on Wednesday.

An emergency meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday made the decision to this effect after seven persons including Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari lost their lives in the chopper crash at Sisne of Fungling Municipality-10 this afternoon.

The government has decided to declare public holiday tomorrow.

The meeting has also decided to fly the national flag at half-mast in all government offices, educational institutions and Nepali missions abroad.

The government has also decided to perform the last rites of Minister Adhikari with state honour.