KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has said the government is serious and sensitive about the recent communal unrest in Sunsari’s Dewanganj, Siraha and other Madhesh districts, pledging an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible.
Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, Shah paid tribute to those killed in the violence — Jayaprakash Mehta, Om Prakash Mehta and Ganesh Yadav — and extended condolences to their families. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured and said authorities had been instructed to ensure there is no delay or shortcoming in their treatment.
The Prime Minister said security agencies were immediately mobilized after the incidents to restore order, prevent further violence and maintain law and order. He noted that the Home Ministry has already formed an investigation committee and assured that the probe would be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
Shah reiterated that anyone found responsible for the violence would be brought under the ambit of the law, adding that the government remains committed to preventing further loss of life and property while restoring public confidence in the affected areas.
He also said the government is taking additional steps to normalize the situation, including holding an all-party meeting at the central level and maintaining continuous dialogue with local representatives, civil society members, religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders.
“The all-party meeting has been convened at the central level to discuss the situation in depth, while continuous dialogue is underway with elected representatives, civil society, religious leaders, community representatives and other social figures at the local level,” Shah said.
The Prime Minister added that Home Minister Sudan Gurung has visited the affected areas to meet victims and review the security situation, while the National Security Council has already held a meeting and taken necessary decisions in response to the evolving situation.
Urging restraint, Shah appealed to the public not to spread or share unverified information, rumors, hate speech or content that could fuel communal tensions through social media or other platforms. He asked citizens to rely only on official information issued by government agencies.
“Protecting the lives of citizens, preserving social harmony and ensuring peace are the state’s highest priorities,” he said, pledging that the government would become “more vigilant and responsible” in the coming days.
The Prime Minister also warned that the government would take strict action against anyone attempting to disturb peace, incite violence or undermine Nepal’s long-standing tradition of social harmony and tolerance.
Recalling constitutional guarantees, Shah said every citizen has the fundamental right to practice their religion, culture and traditions, stressing that no religion promotes violence, hatred or division, but rather compassion, peace and coexistence.
He further said it would be unjust to blame an entire community for an isolated incident or spread retaliatory sentiments in other parts of the country.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens, political parties, civil society, religious communities and the media to exercise patience, restraint and responsibility in safeguarding peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and national unity.
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