RSP chief Lamichhane’s lead helped government douse eastern Tarai flames without further losses

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane pursued parallel political consultations and outreach following communal unrest that erupted in Sunsari and spread to Madhesh Province. Lamichhane initiated a series of meetings with political leaders and stakeholders, including public appeals for restraint, before Prime Minister Shah launched comparable efforts.

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Those in power often suffer from the belief that they can solve everything on their own. The parallel activities of Rabi and Balendra reflect this mindset, the roots of which were visible even before the prime minister took office.

In the immediate aftermath of the July 26 incident, Shah and Home Minister Sudan Gurung concentrated on security measures, deploying police and the army. Lamichhane, however, focused on political dialogue and seeking a broader response to the escalating tensions. This divergence in approach occurred as criticism mounted that the government lacked sufficient political leadership.

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The current leadership was repeating past shortcomings by failing to strengthen institutions and adequately respond to ground realities.

Political analyst Bhaskar Gautam observed that the parallel activities reflected a tendency within the current leadership to believe they can solve problems independently, a mindset visible even before Shah took office. Gautam suggested this approach repeats past shortcomings by failing to strengthen institutions and adequately address ground realities, with individuals taking precedence over established bodies.

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Prime Minister Shah is reinforcing a tendency where individuals take precedence over institutions, as seen through these parallel initiatives.

The unrest began with clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari, leading to security forces opening fire. One person died at the scene, another succumbed to injuries later, and several others were injured. Lamichhane issued a public statement calling for harmony nearly 24 hours after the incident, while the government had not yet released an official appeal. Prime Minister Shah later posted a message on Facebook and issued an official statement acknowledging the threat to social cohesion and promising justice and compensation.

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The government has maintained a presence from the beginning, but it was insufficient. Loss of life due to security firing is unacceptable under any