Nepal leaders urge unity as southern plains violence claims two lives

Nepal's leaders are urging for national unity and an end to violence gripping the southern plains, where two people have died in five days. President Ram Chandra Paudel, CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli, and former King Gyanendra Shah have all issued appeals for calm and restraint.

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Social, religious, and ethnic harmony, tolerance, reconciliation, and brotherhood that have existed for centuries are the identity and tradition of our country. I urge all political parties, civil society, and all Nepali brothers and sisters to maintain peace and order and strengthen national unity.

The unrest, concentrated in the Madhesh region bordering India, has prompted authorities to impose curfews in at least three districts. Clashes between two groups in Sunsari District have fueled the tensions. President Paudel voiced deep concern, emphasizing the importance of Nepal's long-standing tradition of social, religious, and ethnic harmony. He called for an investigation into the incidents, strict action against those responsible, and vigilance to prevent future occurrences.

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Problems cannot be solved through conflict and violence. Dialogue, consensus, and responsible cooperation will provide a way for the country to overcome the current complexities.

CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli criticized the government's response, calling its "indifference, excessive use of force, and silence" suspicious. He stressed that dialogue and consensus, not conflict, are the solutions to the country's current complexities. Oli urged all political parties, civil society, intellectuals, and community leaders to unite for the nation's interest and peace.

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At a time when the nation's existence, peace and security, and social harmony are facing challenges, I sincerely call upon all political parties, civil society, intellectuals, and leaders of various religious and social communities to unite for the national interest and peace.

Former King Gyanendra Shah also expressed concern over the communal tensions in Sunsari. He highlighted that Nepal's identity and global recognition stem from its multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, and multicultural character, urging citizens to preserve mutual harmony and social unity.

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We Nepalis have lived together with mutual respect, happiness and affection since the beginning of Nepal's formation. This unique religious, cultural and social character has earned us respect around the world.