Q&A: You can distract the public with talk of intentions for a while, but it isn’t sustainable

Social activist Rakshya Bam has voiced strong criticism regarding the government's response to recent communal clashes in the Tarai-Madhesh region, particularly the incident in Sunsari. While acknowledging the relief brought by Prime Minister Balendra Shah's eventual address, Bam highlighted the critical delay, suggesting that an earlier response could have prevented further violence and loss of life.

Bam questioned the five-day period the government took to formulate a "national security strategy" before the Home Minister visited the affected area. She argued that during such full-blown crises, immediate engagement and a visible presence on the ground are paramount. "If the presence of the Prime Minister or the Home Minister on the field cou[ld have been there earlier]," she stated, implying that prompt action could have de-escalated the situation more effectively.

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Had the PM addressed the Sunsari incident on the first or second day, perhaps fewer bullets would have been fired, and fewer lives would have been lost.

The activist emphasized that a state's primary obligation is to its citizens' safety and well-being. She believes that representatives should have been on the ground engaging with all communities immediately after the crisis erupted. This direct engagement, she suggested, is crucial not just for resolving the conflict but also for minimizing damage and demonstrating empathy towards those directly affected by the violence.

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Whether an address comes five days or ten days later, it is still an address, but the priority should have been on minimising damage and resolving the crisis effectively.