Carter Centre worried over violence

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The Carter Centre today expressed concerns about the current situation in the country in relation to the deadline for statute-promulgation and increased instances of violence, particularly between identity-based actors advocating different forms of federalism.

The centre urged political leaders to act responsibly, consult broadly and inclusively with all relevant stakeholders, work to address the concerns that have been raised at the local level, and make maximum efforts to reach acceptable compromises within the framework laid out in 2006 in order to ensure the legitimacy and sustainability of the new constitution.

Observers across the country have noted increased instances of conflict in districts. “This has been most evident in the Far-western Tarai, but serious tensions have also been reported in the western and eastern regions. If not addressed properly at the national level, this situation could escalate into increased violence, which has the potential to become communal in nature,” reads the statement.

The statement has urged stakeholders to resolve differences to prevent untoward incidents. “As the May 27 deadline nears, we urge the government, political leaders, civil society, protesting groups, and Nepali citizens to continue their efforts to calm the recent tensions, engage in dialogue in order to resolve differences that have arisen, and to refrain from provocative, violent, or aggressive actions that could worsen the current situation.”

It has noted the positive moves to reduce tensions in the last few days following the signing of several agreements between the government and protesting groups, as well as some commendable initiatives at the local level.