KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has said he remains fully committed to federalism, secularism and the Constitution, while acknowledging shortcomings in the government’s response to the recent unrest that began in Sunsari and spread to parts of Madhesh Province.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Madhesh-based political leaders at Singha Durbar on Friday amid growing tensions following the Sunsari incident.
According to leaders present at the meeting, Shah admitted that the government could have responded better and said all state mechanisms had been mobilised to investigate the incident before he publicly addressed the nation.
“I am fully loyal to democracy, federalism and the Constitution. Please do not think of me as being against federalism,” Shah said, according to participants.
He also clarified that he does not support restoring Nepal as a Hindu state or bringing back the monarchy, arguing that such a move would weaken the federal system.
Shah said the government would conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, including the use of force by security personnel. He added that authorities were examining why live bullets were fired above the waist and pledged legal action against anyone found responsible for inciting violence.
The prime minister urged political leaders to help maintain communal harmony and avoid politicising the recent incidents. He said the government is committed to providing appropriate compensation and employment support to the families of those killed in the Sunsari and Siraha incidents.
Shah also rejected speculation that his party supports abolishing the provincial system, saying his government is instead focused on making federalism stronger and more effective.
During the meeting, Madhesh leaders questioned the government’s delayed response to the unrest and expressed concerns over the handling of the situation. Shah assured them that the government remains committed to peace, social harmony and dialogue with all stakeholders.
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