Former Nepalese PM dies

THE former Nepalese prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala has died, aides said yesterday.

In a career that spanned seven decades, the 86-year-old statesman had served four terms as premier and led the protests that brought down the authoritarian King Gyanendra.

Thousands yesterday crowded outside his daughter's house – where he was taken after days in hospital.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Koirala had "spent his entire political life championing the cause of the people".