Modi to address public functions in Nepal

In an apparent bid to reach out to Nepalis living close to the Indian border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two public functions during his upcoming visit to Nepal.

These will take place in two religious destinations: Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Janakpur, which is closely associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Modi will reach Janakpur Nov 25 from Patna, pray at the Ram-Janaki temple and address a public function there, a diplomatic source told IANS.

He is likely to inaugurate some projects to be funded by the Indian government.

He is due to arrive in Nepal for his second official visit after becoming the prime minister in May. This time he is coming to the Himalayan nation to attend the 18th SAARC Summit Nov 26-27.

Besides visiting Janakpur and Lumbini, Modi will visit Muktinath, another revered Hindu religious site.

Modi will be in Muktinath Nov 28 and return to Lumbini before leaving for New Delhi the same day, according to the itinerary.

Nepal Home Secretary Surya Silwal, Nepal Police chief Upendra Kanta Aryal, Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae and a team of Indian officials have inspected Janakpur.

On Thursday, senior Nepalese officials inspected Lumbini to assess the security situation.

Modi will get the highest security during the SAARC Summit also to be attended by leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, said officials.

At Lumbini too, Modi is set to address the locals.