Prime Minister Balen’s Address Amid Rising Communal Tensions: Key Points
Image source, FB/Balen
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Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has called upon all parties to take immediate initiatives to end the communal tensions observed in Sunsari and other districts.
“Our history is proof that even in the most difficult and challenging circumstances, mutual unity, tolerance, and wisdom have been our greatest strengths,” he stated in his nationwide address on Thursday. “We all need to act responsibly as citizens to dispel the clouds of unrest hovering over our beautiful and peaceful Nepalese sky.”
He assured that the government will keep all mechanisms active around the clock to protect every citizen’s life and that any element or individual trying to disrupt harmony will face legal action.
“The government will not tolerate any activities that disrupt peace and security, spread chaos, or damage the centuries-old social harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood, and strict actions will be taken against such acts,” he warned.
He informed that the National Security Council convened on Thursday to undertake a serious review of the country’s peace and security situation.
“The Council has also made necessary decisions according to the situation,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, after his address, he met with President Ramchandra Paudel.
“The Secretariat reported that the two leaders discussed contemporary national issues during the meeting.”
Image source, PM Secretariat
Following the spread of communal tensions that began in Sunsari to other districts, widespread concern grew, prompting the Prime Minister’s address.
The tension reportedly started on Sunday night in Captain Ganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari, between young members of two religious communities and has since spread to various places.
One person died that night and several others were injured.
Among the injured, one passed away on Thursday, and another person died due to gunfire related to tensions in Siraha.
Curfews have been imposed in Siraha and Dhanusha, with prohibitory orders in effect in Parsa.
In response to criticism about the Prime Minister’s silence amid these sensitive incidents, he expressed sorrow over the human losses.
Image source, Nepal Photo Library
Key Points from the Prime Minister’s Address
The main points made by the Prime Minister are as follows:
- The Government of Nepal is fully sensitive to the recent tragic incidents in places such as Dewanganj of Sunsari and Siraha, as well as the unrest emerging in some other districts. I extend my condolences to the families of Jayaprakash Mehta, Omprakash Mehta, and Ganesh Yadav who lost their lives in these unfortunate events.
- I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Relevant health agencies have been instructed to ensure there is neither shortage nor delay in treatment.
- Security forces promptly responded at the incident sites to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents. The Home Ministry has formed an inquiry committee that is fully committed to bringing the culprits to justice. I assure everyone that the investigation will be impartial and transparent.
- The government is actively working to prevent the situation from worsening, protect citizens’ lives and properties, and build an atmosphere of trust locally. Serious discussions are underway in an all-party meeting at the center, and ongoing dialogues continue with local representatives, civil society, religious leaders, community heads, and social figures.
- The Home Minister himself, along with senior security officials, has visited the affected areas. The National Security Council has conducted a thorough review of the nation’s overall peace and security and has taken necessary decisions.
- I urge everyone to refrain from spreading unnecessary rumors, unverified news, hate speech, or expressions that incite animosity among communities on social media and elsewhere. Please trust only official information released by the government.
- It is the state’s primary duty to protect every citizen’s life and maintain social harmony. In the coming days, the government will remain vigilant and sensitive, with all mechanisms working day and night. Strict measures will be taken against all forms of chaos and acts that disrupt social brotherhood.
- Nepal’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to practice their own religion, culture, and traditions, and the government is committed to fulfilling this duty.
- Religion is a force that unites society and spreads love. No religion advocates violence, hatred, or division. The foundation of all religions is compassion, kindness, love, and peace.
- It is unjust to blame an entire community or seek revenge elsewhere for an unexpected incident that took place in a specific location.
- Our history demonstrates that even in the most difficult circumstances, mutual unity, tolerance, and wisdom can be our greatest strengths.
- We all must act as responsible citizens to remove the clouds of unrest spreading over our beautiful and peaceful Nepalese sky.
He also appealed in Maithili language for patience, restraint, peace, goodwill, brotherhood, and national unity.
Opposition MPs had accused Prime Minister Balen of remaining silent as sensitive incidents escalated.
The Security Council meeting on Thursday, held for the first time since the government took office, reviewed the communal tension situation, the council secretariat confirmed.
Appeals from the President and Former King: What They Said
Image source, Jugesh Babu
Various personalities and organizations across political and social sectors have appealed for restraint amid rising tension.
Concern has been expressed by current and former heads of state, urging to maintain social harmony.
President Ramchandra Paudel expressed deep concern over adverse conditions observed in parts of the country.
He assured the government’s efforts to immediately restore normalcy and create an environment for peaceful living and appealed sincerely to everyone: “Do not allow the situation to deteriorate further and maintain unity, harmony, friendship, and tolerance among communities.”
Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari emphasized the need to “preserve and promote national unity, social harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.”
She urged everyone to act responsibly, with restraint and a constructive role from their respective positions.
Former King Gyanendra Shah also expressed concern after hearing about growing unrest in daily life.
“Nepal has always maintained harmonious relations among all social communities, so such undesired incidents are worrying,” his message read. “We Nepalis, wherever we are in the country, should unite; this is our request and the need of the hour.”
Various Madhesi-centric parties have jointly and individually appealed to maintain peace and harmony and called for judicial investigations into the incidents.
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce also expressed concern over the incidents and urged all parties to prioritize restraint, social harmony, and national unity under the current circumstances.