Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwor Pokhrel has spoken the need of identifying Nepal as a sovereign nation globally.

In his address today to the prize distribution ceremony for winners of a race competition organised by the Nepal Army Mid-West Division Headquarters Butwal today on the occasion of National Unity Day, he said the government wished to see all the people united for the safeguard of national unity and integrity with the protection and promotion of history.

Terming the event not only a sports competition, he said it was an opportunity for increasing the feeling of unity among the people.

As he said, the NA commemorated the contribution of brave Nepal ancestors and showered respect to them by organising the programme at Jeetgadhi Killa (fort), the historic place won by those courageous ancestors.

He was of the view of restoring ‘we- feeling’ despite our diverse identities to prove ourselves as the citizens of a dignified nation.

Division chief major general Sitaram Khadka said the event aimed to support and promote the Nepal Visit Year 2020.