Madhesh-centric parties call for restraint, social harmony

KATHMANDU: Four Madhesh-centric political parties have issued a joint appeal calling for restraint and communal harmony, while demanding an independent judicial investigation into the recent violence in the Tarai.

Mahanta Thakur of JSP Nepal, Rajendra Mahato of Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, Jayakant Raut of Janamat Party, Samim Ansari of Rastriya Nirman Dal, and former Constituent Assembly member Ram Kumar Sharma issued a joint statement on Thursday, urging Prime Minister Balendra Shah to address the nation and reassure the public about the government’s commitment to peace, social harmony, justice and the rule of law.

They also demanded that those killed in the recent incidents be declared martyrs, with compensation provided to their families and employment opportunities arranged to ensure their long-term livelihoods.

The parties called for a thorough investigation into whether the violence had been instigated by external elements and urged the government to uncover the facts behind the incidents.

They further demanded that the Home Minister take moral responsibility for the incidents and that security personnel involved in the use of force be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

They also urged the government to provide free medical treatment for all those injured during the unrest.

The leaders also demanded the formation of a high-level judicial inquiry commission led by a retired Supreme Court Justice to investigate all recent incidents.

Appealing to people to exercise restraint and preserve social harmony, they warned that hatred and provocation would only deepen divisions in society.