The Maoists shot and killed mayor of Pokhara Sub Metropolitan city, Harka Bahadur Gurung at 11:40 AM Friday, police said.

Shova Kanta Parajuli, sub-inspector at the Kaski District Police Office, told Nepalnews over the telephone that Gurung was shot as he was about to enter his vehicle outside his residence at Ratna Chowk. He was shot 5 times by three armed rebels and was declared dead on the way to the Gandaki Zonal Hospital.

The Maoists had been asking him to resign from the post since September last year after his appointment by the Thapa government. Gurung was also the treasurer of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, Kaski district.

Gurung’s driver and the body guard are also shot and severely injured by the rebels. They have been air-lifted to the capital for treatment. Gurung is survived by his four wives, five sons and three  daughters.