PM, home minister under fire for staying away from violence-hit Sunsari

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Home Minister Sudan Gurung are under fire for their absence from Dewanganj, Sunsari, the site of recent communal violence that resulted in one death and several injuries. Three days after the incident, with curfews still in effect and a heavy security presence, residents feel the lack of attention from the nation's top political leaders has exacerbated public frustration.

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We are deeply disappointed that neither the prime minister nor the home minister has visited the affected area during such a critical time. We expected the country’s top leaders to take charge after such a tragedy.

Despite ongoing peace rallies and appeals for communal harmony nationwide, many in Dewanganj expected the prime minister and home minister to visit the affected area. They sought a firsthand assessment of the situation and reassurance for the impacted communities. "We are deeply disappointed that neither the prime minister nor the home minister has visited the affected area during such a critical time," said Dipendra Mehta, a local farmer. "We expected the country’s top leaders to take charge after such a tragedy."

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People cannot go about their daily work and farming activities have come to a standstill. We need immediate and concrete efforts to restore peace and normalcy.

The disruption extends beyond social tensions, as the continuing curfew has halted daily life and agricultural activities. "People cannot go about their daily work and farming activities have come to a standstill," said Shivakumar Yadav, another farmer. "We need immediate and concrete efforts to restore peace and normalcy." Older residents recalled the area's history of communal harmony, expressing shock at the events and urging an impartial investigation.

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We have always lived together in peace and brotherhood. We never imagined something like this could happen here.

Local leaders and residents have also criticized the government's response, drawing comparisons to incidents in the capital. "If something happens in the capital city, the home minister reaches the site immediately," said Anil Mehta. "Why has he not come here?" Accusations of slow intervention have been leveled against all three tiers of government, with some local officials reportedly unreachable after the violence broke out. Restoring trust, some argue, requires direct dialogue and coordination between federal, provincial, and local authorities, not just maintaining law and order.

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If something happens in the capital city, the home minister reaches the site immediately. Why has he not come here?