BIRGUNJ, SEPTEMBER 25

An amity rally was held in Birgunj after a dispute between two parties took place in Malangawa in Sarlahi district in the course of immersing an idol of Lord Ganesh.

The rally led by Birgunj Metropolitan City that started from Aadarshanagar in Birgunj had participation of people from various walks of life including representatives of local political parties, organisations, religious organisations, employees and intellectuals.

Following the conclusion of the rally, a team including the metropolis mayor Rajesh Man Singh reached the district administration office and handed a memorandum to the acting chief district officer Shiva Prasad Lamsal.

In a corner assembly after the rally, lawmaker and Janata Samajwadi Party leader Pradip Yadav demanded the identification of those provoking social harmony and immediate action against them.

'Lately, some elements have become active to fulfil their vested interests by disrupting mutual social harmony between the followers of religions including Hindus and Muslims. In the name of various festivals, these elements have been staging various protests, giving expressions so as to increase conflict between castes and vandalising shops and house of various people. Such people should be identified immediately and brought to justice,' he said.

Metropolis Mayor Singh stressed the need to take action immediately against those involved in the activities of disrupting social harmony and spreading ethnic conflict.

He urged all to come together to protect and promote unity, social and cultural solidarity, tolerance and harmony among the diversity of various organisations affiliated with all religions and communities while embracing the dignity of a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural state.

In the clash that took place between two communities, more than a dozen people including security personnel were injured. One of the injured, Rupesh Kumar Yadav of Malangawa Municipality-7 is said to be in serious condition. He is receiving treatment in Birgunj.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times