The entire nation needs to step up to restore harmony in Tarai

Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the nation, urging citizens to exercise restraint and maintain societal harmony after days of unrest in the Tarai-Madhesh region. The communal clash in Dewanganj, Sunsari, resulted in the tragic deaths of three young men, Jay Prakash Mehta, Om Prakash Mehta, and Ganesh Yadav, and injured scores of others, including security personnel. This has heightened insecurity across the country, with curfews imposed in several districts and fears of escalating arson and vandalism threatening the national fabric.

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no religion or culture in the world teaches violence, hatred or division.

In his address, PM Shah stressed that religion is a unifying force that spreads love, asserting that "no religion or culture in the world teaches violence, hatred or division." He highlighted the fundamental essence of all religions as compassion, kindness, love, and peace, aiming to redirect the public discourse from retaliatory flames in the Tarai-Madhesh. This message is particularly vital in Nepal, a society historically embracing diverse identities, viewing its mosaic of religions, castes, and languages as a strength.

While the Prime Minister's commitment to an impartial investigation and his consultation with President Ramchandra Paudel signal high-level engagement, the state must also acknowledge its initial shortcomings. Security forces reportedly struggled with crowd management in the early stages of the unrest, and the government's subsequent reliance on security-centric measures over political strategy was noted. Promoting harmony now requires more than just law enforcement; it demands an inclusive strategy of social support and proactive political dialogue.

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the state must also acknowledge its earlier shortcomings.

Furthermore, the inactivity of people's representatives, especially from the Rastriya Swatantra Party which holds significant influence in the affected regions, has drawn concern. True leadership, the article suggests, involves managing crises and reassuring constituents directly. Representatives at all levels are urged to visit their constituencies and foster trust amidst communal tension. Civil society, the media, and social media users also play a crucial role in discouraging provocative speech and misinformation, shifting focus towards factual and restrained expression.

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True leadership is defined by the ability to manage crises and provide reassurance directly to the electorate.