Nepal's PM Balendra Shah has appealed for national unity following deadly clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in the country's southern border districts, marking his first major public address since taking office.
Communal violence in Nepal's southern region has claimed three lives, prompting Prime Minister Balendra Shah to make a rare public appeal for restraint and national harmony. The clashes, which began in Sunsari district near the Indian border on Sunday, reportedly stemmed from a dispute during a Hindu religious procession involving disagreements over loud music and religious flags between Hindu and Muslim participants.
According to police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle, two men were killed when police opened fire to disperse crowds on Sunday. A third fatality occurred on Thursday during a protest in the nearby Siraha district, despite authorities implementing a curfew to prevent escalation. The violence has prompted officials to extend curfews across multiple districts in the region.
Shah's statement on Thursday represented his first significant public appearance since assuming office in March. The Prime Minister urged citizens, religious communities, political parties, and media outlets to exercise patience and restraint. He committed to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incidents, assuring that those responsible would face justice. Police officials have been deployed throughout affected areas with instructions to restore order while minimizing the use of force.
Nepal's population is approximately 80 percent Hindu, though the southern districts bordering India contain substantial Muslim populations. The recent incidents highlight ongoing tensions in these areas where religious communities intersect.
