FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF AN ELDERLY MAN IN KIRTIPUR Kathmandu, 25 May: Nyuchhe Lal Maharjan ,78, was killed in a fire at Kirtipur Friday destroying his house as well. The fire started during an meal at a ktchen. Nnnn . UPDATE BUDDHA JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS Lathmandu, 25 May: Chairman of Interim Election Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi has stressed that Gautam Buddha should be respected as a philosopher and an apostle of peace and non-violence rather than a founder of any particular Religion, RSS reports from Butwal.. Addressing a special programme organised by the Lumbini Development Trust to mark the 2557th Buddha Jayanti on Saturday, Chairman Regmi praised the Buddhism for its contribution in maintaining peace and promoting non-violence in the globe. Holding fresh election to the Constituent Assembly was the sole target of incumbent government, he said, adding the government was in haste to announce the election date. He urged all the political parties to come to a consensus on the same as quickly as possible. The Chairman of Interim Election Council of Ministers expressed the hope that talks and discussions underway between the government and political parties on election matters would reach to a conclusion soon. He pledged proper attention towards the development and promotion of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on behalf of the government and assured of allocating budget necessary for completing the Lumbini Master Plan. Chairman of the Trust and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ram Kumar Shrestha said inner and lasting peace would be achieved if we followed the message of peace, non-violence and truth propounded by the Lord Buddha. Vice Chairman of the Trust Acharya Karma Sangbo said some 75 per cent tasks of the Lumbini Master Plan has completed. He expected for necessary budget for the completion of the project. Trust Member-Secretary Ajitman Tamang underlined the need of averting spread of false rumours about the birth of Lord Buddha. Trust treasurer Om Prakash Aryal sought government´s proper attention towards the development of Lumbini. People extending support and cooperation for the advancement of Lumbini were honoured on the occasion. A morning rally accompanied by cultural procession was held earlier today marking the Buddha Jayanti. nnnn