KATHMANDU: A group of academics, senior journalists, former bureaucrats and civil society leaders has urged the government to maintain harmony and strengthen border management amid recent tensions between two communities in parts of the Tarai.
In a joint appeal, the signatories expressed concern over the spread of unrest, which reportedly began in Dewanganj-3 of Sunsari and later extended to other Tarai districts, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
The appeal pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the violence and calls on the government to provide compensation to the victims’ families.
Signed by 46 prominent citizens, including Prof. Dr. Narendra Raj Khanal, senior journalist Aditya Man Shrestha, Dr. Jagman Gurung, former AIG Ramesh Kharel and former bureaucrat Dwarika Nath Dhungel, the statement says the state’s failure to contain the initial spark of religious conflict in time contributed to the escalation.
“Nepal has long been recognized as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and tolerant nation,” the appeal states, adding that during periods of religious tension, the government should prioritize preserving social harmony and building public trust over political considerations.
The signatories also warned that Nepal’s open border could be exploited by third-country nationals for unauthorized entry, urging the government to make cross-border movement with India more effective, transparent and accountable.
They further called for impartial investigations and strict legal action against those responsible for inciting hatred, as well as stronger institutional mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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