Communal Tensions in Nepal: The Challenge of Maintaining Social Harmony Amid Repeated Incidents
Photo credit, DP Khanal
Communal violence is rising in Sunsari and surrounding districts, and some security experts say the state must adopt special “prudence” to prevent these incidents from recurring.
Discussions with security experts reveal that areas in Parsa, Rautahat, Sunsari, Kapilvastu, and Banke have been identified as sensitive zones from the perspective of communal tension.
In these sensitive areas, it is essential to strengthen government presence, increase dialogue and interaction with local communities, and quickly intervene to halt activities negatively impacting social harmony.
Even though the state has adopted measures in advance, considering local social and demographic compositions to prevent the spread of such tensions, there appear to be weaknesses in these measures in recent years.
Despite all-party commitments made on Wednesday to maintain peace in Sunsari, security experts express concern that without serious government commitment, such declarations may remain limited and incidents could recur.
Tensions Also in Dhanusha and Siraha
After communal tension erupted late Sunday night in Sunsari, the local administration imposed a curfew at designated locations. Following increased tension on Thursday in Dhanusha and Siraha, the administrations there imposed indefinite curfew orders.
Assistant Chief District Officer Chetaraj Baral confirmed that a person died from gunshot wounds during Thursday’s clash in Golbazar, Siraha.
The Nepal Police reported that a person injured during Sunday’s incident in Sunsari passed away while undergoing treatment on Thursday.
Former Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha stated, “We must always be vigilant against attempts to disrupt social harmony or push society towards conflict. No one should play games with these issues.”
On Sunday, during clashes between youths of two different religious beliefs in Kapatan Ganj, Sunsari, police intervention resulted in one local youth’s death and several injuries.
Since then, the area has remained tense with heightened security measures and regular patrols by the Nepal Army.
Sensitive Areas
Photo credit, Jugesh Babu
According to retired Nepal Army Assistant Rathi Narayan Silwal, social balance had been maintained through political prudence in certain areas of Parsa, Rautahat, Sunsari, Kapilvastu, and Banke in the past.
Silwal explains, “From the Panchayat era up until some time ago, leaders of relevant communities in sensitive areas were included, trusted, and their grievances addressed.”
“Incidents similar to those seen recently in Sunsari have occurred before, and efforts were made to resolve them by engaging local leaders before any military deployment became necessary.”
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and security personnel suggested political solutions to the Sunsari incident.
Following Thursday’s Security Council meeting, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said, “To prevent such incidents in the future, all security agencies and stakeholders will coordinate effectively to maintain social harmony and national unity.”
Former Police Chief Thakur Prasad Gyawali also emphasized the need for strict state surveillance over activities in sensitive regions.
He stated, “Presence of security forces alone is not enough. Interaction and coordination through administrative staff and local government with communities must increase.”
Muslim Commission Chairman Mahmadin Ali expressed skepticism that divisive activities harming social harmony are originating solely from within the communities.
He said, “I suspect external interference on both sides. Some individuals are inciting religious communities for personal or political gain. This requires investigation.”
On One Side Harmony, On the Other Politics
Former Home Minister Shrestha believes two main factors are driving these tensions.
According to him, “Our society is founded on religious tolerance and social harmony. Yet, external forces sometimes attempt to manipulate these issues, and growing societal unrest also fuels such incidents.”
When asked to clarify “external manipulation,” he noted, “It is understood that the state and stakeholders were informed about this earlier.”
Former Police Chief Gyawali warned that although normalcy might return temporarily, the risk of recurrence remains.
He added, “Since religious matters run deep, it is not easy to address them, and it is better if individuals with political interests do not exploit religious sentiments.”
Retired Rathi Silwal noted he does not foresee the situation worsening seriously. “Our social culture is based on coexistence.”
“Religious leaders of both Hindu and Muslim communities have played an active role in maintaining peace and harmony, which is a positive sign. The peace rally in Butwal exemplifies this.”
Challenges Remain
Although religious harmony has long been an integral part of Nepal’s social and cultural fabric, it is not without challenges. Especially when state vigilance weakens, the risk of deterioration rises.
Former Minister Shrestha emphasizes that the government, political parties, society, and religious organizations must unite during such times. According to him, “The primary responsibility lies with the government. Elements deliberately spreading chaos must be controlled and an environment conducive to social harmony must be fostered.”
Retired Rathi Silwal also believes a serious deterioration is unlikely but stresses that security agencies must enhance their monitoring systems. He recommends the government build trust-based continuous dialogue with local communities and political leadership.
“Regular dialogue, grievance redressal, and necessary discussions must be institutionalized by the government, local administration, and security agencies,” he says.
Silwal also highlights the need for security agencies to be fully informed about the influence of local leaders. “This enables situations to be managed easily.”
Muslim Commission Chairman Ali stresses the importance of stricter state surveillance in some Terai-Madhesh areas. “No religion advocates harming others. Coexistence has been practiced for a long time. If there is any infiltration, it must be eliminated.”
Former Police Chief Gyawali describes how politics unnecessarily interferes in such matters. According to him, without long-term solutions, all-party resolutions on social harmony risk remaining superficial.
He adds, “Seeking quick fixes might destabilize the system itself.”