KATHMANDU: Concerned about the spread of tension in Sunsari, Siraha, and other areas, political parties and social organizations have appealed for restraint, dialogue, and social harmony.
The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) had already issued an appeal two days ago calling for mutual dialogue and communal harmony. Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane released a statement urging all party members and the public to help maintain peace.
“We sincerely appeal to all citizens, religious and social leaders, and concerned stakeholders not to engage in any activity that could disturb communal or social harmony,” the statement said.
In an effort to ease growing tensions, Lamichhane convened an all-party meeting on Thursday. Following discussions with political parties on ways to prevent further escalation, he held consultations with RSP lawmakers from Koshi and Madhesh provinces and later met representatives of various religious organizations. Prime Minister Balendra Shah also convened a meeting of the National Security Council.
Other political parties have issued similar appeals. Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa and Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma released video messages urging restraint.
“As the situation becomes more serious, each of us must act responsibly,” Thapa said. “If we lose patience and fail to maintain composure, the consequences could be very costly. What is needed now is not rumors, provocation, or revenge, but restraint.”
Sharma said maintaining harmony is not solely the responsibility of the government. “The responsibility of preventing conflict from escalating belongs to all of us,” he said. “Let us remain united and contribute from our respective positions.”
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli also issued a statement calling for social harmony and cautioning against attempts to divide society.
“Being aware that conspiracies may be underway to divide the people and pursue undesirable objectives, I sincerely request leaders and activists of CPN-UML and other political parties, members of civil society, media personnel, and all citizens to exercise restraint and actively contribute to maintaining social harmony and unity without being influenced by misleading propaganda,” the statement said.
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar appeal earlier this week. In a statement released by spokesperson Prakash Jwala, the party urged all sides to show greater restraint, prevent further violence and damage, and preserve social harmony and national unity.
Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda reiterated the same message during Thursday’s all-party meeting.
“This is not the time to deepen political bitterness, but to demonstrate national responsibility,” Prachanda said. “The incident must be investigated impartially and those responsible must be brought to justice. All political parties, the government, and other stakeholders should move forward together with social harmony, peace, and mutual trust at the center.”
Madhesh-based parties also issued a joint statement in the evening, urging all citizens to exercise restraint, patience, and responsibility in order to maintain peace and social harmony.
Mahantha Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, CK Raut, Samim Ansari, and Ram Kumar Sharma have also appealed for peace and social harmony through a joint statement. They have demanded an impartial investigation into the incidents, compensation for the victims, and action against those responsible.
Similarly, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal spokesperson Manish Suman issued a separate statement calling on all sides to maintain harmony and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Sampang has repeatedly appealed for peace through a series of social media posts, emphasizing unity between Hindu and Muslim communities.
“We are Nepali brothers and sisters; let us live together,” he wrote. “There should be no conflict or unrest anywhere.”
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden also issued a statement on Tuesday urging restraint and social harmony. “The RPP does not accept politics based on violence, anarchy, or communal hatred in any form,” the statement said.
Likewise, the Ujyalo Nepal Party led by Kulman Ghising called for social harmony and demanded justice for the victims, proper treatment for the injured, and all-party dialogue in the affected areas.
The party’s Chief Secretary, Dr. Raju Thapa, issued a statement urging the government to establish an effective local-level mechanism to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Apart from political parties, the President, former Presidents, and former monarchs have also appealed for peace and unity.
President Ram Chandra Paudel said that the centuries-old tradition of social, religious, and ethnic harmony, tolerance, reconciliation, and brotherhood is Nepal’s identity and strength.
“I urge all political parties, civil society, and all Nepali sisters and brothers to strengthen national unity by maintaining peace, non-violence, and social order,” the President said in a statement.
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari issued a similar appeal, calling on citizens to act responsibly during the current sensitive situation.
“In the present sensitive circumstances, I urge all Nepali brothers and sisters to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from spreading rumors, hate speech, and engaging in activities that disturb social harmony,” she said.
She also urged political parties to take initiatives at both the federal and provincial levels to preserve social harmony.
“I welcome the understanding reached by various political parties that all concerned stakeholders should actively work to maintain social harmony both at the central level in Kathmandu and at the provincial level under the initiative of the Koshi Provincial Government,” former President Bhandari wrote.
Likewise, former King Gyanendra Shah also appealed for mutual harmony, saying Nepal’s multiethnic, multilingual, and multicultural character is a source of national pride and identity that should not be disturbed by anyone.
“This goes against our fundamental values and beliefs. Therefore, wherever we may live, all Nepalis must stand together. This is our appeal and the need of the hour,” his statement said.
Similar efforts are being carried out at the provincial, district, and local levels, including the issuance of joint statements and the organization of harmony rallies. Leaders from political parties, religious communities, and civil society have urged people not to be provoked by rumors or inflammatory messages.
Professional bodies, civic organizations, and religious and ethnic groups have also appealed for peace and social harmony.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry issued a statement calling for peace and restraint.
“Social unrest, clashes, violence, and confrontations under any pretext benefit no one,” the federation said. “Such incidents not only disrupt social harmony but also have a serious negative impact on the daily lives of citizens, industry, business, and the overall economic activities of the country. Social harmony and peace are essential prerequisites for national prosperity and economic development.”
The Nepal Bar Association also appealed for mutual understanding and tolerance. “As the challenge of restoring peace has emerged in eastern Nepal and other areas, we urge all sides to exercise restraint and help create an environment conducive to social harmony, mutual trust, and tolerance,” the association said in a statement.
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