People of Jamune village in far-western Salyan district celebrated the arrival of the first motor-vehicle in their remote, impoverished village with much fanfare.

Rejoicing what to them was a sign of development and a better prospect with their village just being connected to the district headquarters Khalanga – lying some 50 kilometers away – through a dirt road, the villagers danced and frolicked and threw flowers at the approaching vehicle.

Some of the residents of the village had never seen any vehicle before.

The jeep with the number place Lu 1 Ja 1171 had reached the village at 2 pm Friday afternoon. The villagers then immediately greeted the driver by putting a garland on his shoulders and smearing vermillion over his face applauding him

“I received so much love that I can never forget,” the jubilant looking driver later said.

Most of villages and even some district headquarters in the country have still not been linked by roads despite the government’s claims, and the arrival of vehicles are often celebrated in similar fashion in far-off villages. nepalnews.com ag Feb 03 08