Nepali parties unite to quell communal unrest

When communal tensions threatened to spread across districts in Sunsari's Dewanganj, Nepal's political landscape demonstrated a familiar pattern of unity in crisis. Government and opposition parties, alongside those outside Parliament, set aside routine attacks to address the escalating situation.

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when the country faces a major crisis, political rivals often put aside their differences and act together.

Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), convened an urgent all-party meeting, drawing leaders from major parties including the Nepali Congress, Nepali Communist Party, and CPN-UML. Their joint participation was seen as a positive sign, leading to a statement that appealed for social harmony and dialogue. Parties were instructed to engage in community outreach and mediation, with opposition leader Gagan Thapa actively mobilizing the Congress network.

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The participation of the opposition leaders at a meeting called by the ruling party was widely viewed as a positive sign.

These combined political efforts, alongside actions by security agencies and civil society, helped restore calm. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, initially facing criticism for a perceived slow response and lack of public engagement, increased his activity. He addressed the nation, met with the president, and consulted with Madhesh-based leaders and lawmakers. These steps aimed to reassure stakeholders about the government's commitment to the federal democratic republic and its handling of the crisis.

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Leaders attending the emergency meeting included Gagan Thapa, president of the main opposition Nepali Congress; Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party; Shankar Pokhrel, general secretary of the CPN-UML; Mahantha Thakur, chairman of the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party; Aren Rai, general secretary of the Shram Sanskriti Party; Rajendra Lingden, chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party; CK Raut, chairman of the Janamat Party; and Prakash Adhikari, leader of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal.