KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has expressed serious concern over the tense situation in various Terai districts, including Parsa, Dhanusha, and Siraha, following the Kaptangunj incident in Sunsari, and has urged all sides to exercise restraint to maintain peace, harmony, and social unity.
In a statement posted on social media, Thapa expressed grief over the deaths of Jayaprakash Mehta, Om Prakash Mehta, and Ganesh Yadav. He said the government’s handling of the incident had become a matter of additional concern and criticized what he described as a pattern of making repeated assurances without ensuring effective implementation.
Thapa called for a fair, thorough, and effective investigation into the incident and demanded that all those responsible be brought to justice. “Those who misuse force must be held accountable, and those involved in arson and violence must also be punished in accordance with the law,” he said.
He noted that the issue concerns not only the federal government but also the provincial government, and said he had discussed the matter with the Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, urging the provincial government to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Appealing to the public to stay away from activities that spread false information, confusion, and incitement through social media or other means, Thapa made a special request not to divide society by spreading rumors. He particularly urged young people participating in protests to remain restrained and play a constructive and positive role.
“Violence should not be answered with violence, but through legal process,” Thapa wrote. “The state must punish the guilty through the rule of law, and all of us should cooperate in maintaining peace.”
He stressed the need to identify and prevent attempts by elements seeking to create divisions between communities for their own interests. Stating that all religions and cultures teach humanity, compassion, and reconciliation, Thapa said the foremost responsibility at present is to preserve social harmony and mutual trust.
“Let no one’s house or property be burned, and let no rift arise in our mutual relations and brotherhood,” he said. “Let everyone act responsibly from their respective positions. Let the government fulfill its responsibilities, and let citizens also cooperate in maintaining peace.”
Comment