Government is serious about disturbed atmosphere in several districts: PM Shah
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government is fully serious and sensitive about the disturbed atmosphere in several districts following recent incidents in Dewanganj, Sunsari and Siraha.
Addressing the nation on Thursday, the prime minister paid tribute to the victims of the violence, naming Jaiprakash Mehta, Om Prakash Mehta and Ganesh Yadav, and offered condolences to their families on behalf of the government.
"I appear before you today at an extremely sensitive hour," he said. "Blaming an entire community for an unexpected and tragic incident that occurred in one part of the country, and spreading the fire of revenge to other parts of the country as well, cannot be justified or legitimate from any perspective." He reiterated that the Constitution of Nepal grants every citizen the right to practise their religion, culture and tradition, and said the government is committed to fulfilling its constitutional duty.
The prime minister said clear instructions have been given to health authorities to ensure there is no deficiency or delay in the treatment of the injured, and that all security agencies reached the scene immediately after the incident. He said continuous efforts are underway to normalise the situation, prevent further incidents and maintain peace and security.
"The Ministry of Home Affairs has already formed a 'probe committee' to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and take strict legal action against the perpetrators," he said. "I want to assure everyone that this investigation will be fully impartial and transparent. Whoever the perpetrators involved in the incident may be, the government is committed to bringing them to justice."
PM Shah said the government is active to ensure the situation does not deteriorate further, that no citizen suffers loss of life or property, and that trust is restored at the local level. He said an 'all-party meeting' was called at the central level and that dialogue is continuing with elected representatives, civil society, religious and community leaders and other social figures.
"To directly monitor the local situation, engage in dialogue with the victimised party, and further strengthen peace and security, the Home Minister himself, along with high-ranking officials of the security agencies, has already departed for the incident site," he said. He added that a meeting of the 'National Security Council' was held to review the overall peace and security situation and that necessary decisions have been taken.
The prime minister appealed to the public not to spread untrue or unverified information, rumours, hate speech or statements that incite animosity between communities, and urged reliance on official information released by government agencies.
"Protecting the life and property of every citizen, preserving social harmony, and maintaining peace in society is the supreme and primary obligation of the state. The state will remain even more vigilant and sensitive in the coming days as well," he said, adding that all government mechanisms will work day and night to protect citizens and take strict steps against activities that breach peace and security.
Speaking in Maithili, PM Shah made a special appeal for national unity, "On behalf of the government, I make a heartfelt appeal to all general citizens, civil society, religious communities, all respected leaders, all political parties, and responsible media channels to exercise patience and restraint, and to maintain peace, harmony, brotherhood, and national unity."
(With inputs from RSS)
