Sunsari Communal Tension: Prime Minister Balen Sought at All-Party Meeting, Leaders Express Their Views
Image source, Nepal Photo Library
Ruling and opposition leaders have agreed that restraint must be practiced and long-term solutions sought to resolve the incidents in Sunsari.
Following the outbreak of communal tension in Sunsari, leaders attending the all-party meeting convened by the top leadership of the ruling party emphasized the importance of identifying the causes and roots of such incidents to find effective solutions. “We all realized that during such incidents, everyone must stand united,” said Ravi Lamichhane, chairperson of the National Independent Party, who organized the meeting.
However, Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung did not participate in the meeting. Questions were raised specifically regarding the Prime Minister’s absence.
“We thank the chairperson of the National Independent Party, but the government must also be questioned – what is the government doing right now?” stated Gagan Thapa, opposition leader of the Nepali Congress.
Lamichhane responded that since it was an all-party meeting, the top leaders of each party participated. Only Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle represented the government side at the meeting.
Prime Minister’s Involvement
Image source, RSS
Opposition leader Gagan Thapa expressed that at such critical times, the Prime Minister must lead the dialogue with stakeholders.
“The government should not rely only on bullets and batons,” said Thapa. “The Prime Minister is not just a guardian but also a leader.
He must be able to cooperate, trust others, and only then others will trust him.”
“We don’t want to trouble the government, but I said in the meeting – why should the Prime Minister remain silent at a time like this? Isn’t it necessary to make efforts to unite everyone? We think the Prime Minister should act accordingly,” he added.
Also attending the meeting was Bishwa Raj Aangdembe, leader of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party.
According to CK Raut of the Janamat Party, almost all opposition leaders at the all-party meeting sought the presence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
“We have raised that the government itself should have organized this meeting,” Raut said. “Finance Minister Wagle shared his views, and the Prime Minister has already expressed himself on Facebook.”
Aryan Rai, MP from the Labor Culture Party, also questioned the Prime Minister’s absence.
“Even if the Prime Minister didn’t come, at least the Home Minister should have. This is the moment to see how sensitive the government is,” Rai said. “Finance Minister Wagle assured that the issues raised in the discussion would be conveyed to the Prime Minister.”
Seven-Point Appeal
The meeting issued a seven-point appeal aimed at maintaining harmony.
“There must be an awareness that impulsiveness and clashes do not resolve problems but only complicate them,” the appeal stated.
Political parties have directed their committees at provincial, district, and local levels to engage in all-party and inclusive dialogue to maintain peace.
“It is essential to strengthen activism at the local level by involving religious leaders, civil society, and administration,” the appeal added.
They urged maximum restraint, impartial investigation of the incident, legal action against the guilty, and appropriate compensation to victims, drawing the Nepal Government’s attention.
Other Discussions at the Meeting
Raut of the Janamat Party said that the meeting discussed pursuing long-term solutions to prevent the escalation of tensions.
“In times of crisis, all parties must come together to deliver a message. In this way, the meeting is a positive signal,” he added.
Aryan Rai, participant from the Labor Culture Party, said, “There is a risk of communal disasters in the country, and the importance of all parties standing united in one place was a key discussion.”
“The government should not resort to force at all times; restraint must be exercised. We also discussed the need to improve the information system,” Rai added.
Prime Minister Balen’s Appeal
Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen stated that the government has conducted a serious review of the Sunsari incident and urged the public to maintain social harmony.
“The government will take responsible steps to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he wrote on Facebook Tuesday night.
“At such times, please restrain your excitement and anger. Our religion teaches the foremost duty is to preserve humanity, and the government must keep its citizens safe. The government will act swiftly to punish the guilty and ensure justice and compensation for the victims.”
He also acknowledged that despite the government’s presence at the incident site from the beginning, it was insufficient.
“Citizens lost their lives and were injured due to police firing. Such harm is in no way acceptable. Investigations are underway, and actions will be taken according to the law,” he said.
What is the Situation in Sunsari?
Image source, BBC/BIKRAM NIRAULA
As tensions that began in Kapatanjganj failed to subside, considering security conditions, the Sunsari District Administration Office extended curfew to additional areas.
Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal informed that after a meeting of the District Security Committee, a curfew has been enforced in more areas from 9 PM Tuesday night until further notice.
Curfew has been imposed in Itahari Sub-metropolitan Municipality wards 16 and 17, Ramdhuni Municipality wards 1 and 5 in the 200-meter area on both sides of Mahendra Highway, as well as in the Inneruwa and Duhabi Municipalities, Bhokraha Narsingh, Koshi, Gadhi, Dewanganj, Harinagar, and Barju rural municipalities.
During the curfew, movement in the designated areas is prohibited, as are gatherings, rallies, meetings, and any assemblies.
“There were reports of some vandalism from Kapatanjganj during the night,” said district administration spokesperson Poshan Lamichhane, “Following the curfew extension, the situation has relatively calmed down.”
Cause of the Incident
According to reports, tensions started on Monday when one group preparing for the Bolbam pilgrimage placed a flag on an electric pole near another community and played a loud ‘DJ’ music, triggering unrest.
Local authorities stated that in Kapatanjganj, where the Muslim settlement starts near the market area, there is a Shiv temple, and clashes have previously occurred in this place.
After the escalation of tension, police intervention resulted in one death and several injuries.
The Home Ministry has formed a team to investigate the incident following discussions among the Home Minister, Home Secretary, and security agency chiefs. The team is led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa.
What is ‘DJ Music’?
In the Terai districts bordering India, the use of ‘DJ’ music has become increasingly popular over recent years during weddings, festivals, and fairs.
It is considered a common practice.
According to Pushpalal Chaudhary of Sunsari, the term ‘DJ’ refers to a music system installed in small open vans with eight to ten loudspeakers and horns.
Because lights are used, electricity consumption is high, so generators are also included.
The sound typically carries up to one to one and a half kilometers.
Besides religious and cultural programs, it is used in rallies, marches, and processions as well.
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