Kathmandu, May 26 : Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has wished for the happiness, peace, prosperity and continued progress of all Nepalis on the occasion of the 2565th Buddha Jayanti and the Ubhauli festival.  

  
In a message of best wishes on the occasion today, leader Deuba said the country still has not been able to free itself of incidents of violence, killing, kidnappings and human rights violations. Noting that all-round development was not pssoble without durable peace, he said there are many opportunities before us for building a peaceful and prosperous Nepal.    

Deuba said the country is grappling with the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic at present and the second wave has proved to be many times more contagious and therefore worrisome than the first wave.

He expressed worry as the number of deaths has been increasing due to the shortage of ICU beds, ventilator and oxygen amidst the increasing infection.    

Calling upon the people to be themselves alert in such a situation, the main opposition party leader urged all fully obeyed the health safety protocols in view of the increased risk of COVID-19.    

The NC president also urged one and all to follow the precepts of the Gautam Buddha, the propounder of peace, tolerance and goodwill, in their thought, words and deeds, and to stand against violence and killings. He also wished that may peace prevail in the country all citizens are freed from injustice, excesses and all types of repression.