US stresses on restraint, non-violence in protests

KATHMANDU: Expressing concerns over the fatal clash between the supporters of Madhesi parties and the security personnel in Saptari, the US Embassy in Kathmandu called on the stakeholders to exercise restraint and take up non-violent means.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the US mission asked security forces to exercise maximum restraint as people express their democratic rights, and the protesters and parties to continue to engage in the democratic process through non-violent means.

"The United States is deeply concerned at signs of rising volatility in some areas of Nepal, including the recent clash in Saptari that resulted in the deaths of several protesters," the Embassy said in a statement.

"The right to peacefully express one’s political views is a fundamental component of an inclusive democracy, but violence should not be part of the political discourse," it added.