RSP MPs from Tarai-Madhes constituencies commit to prevent further violence through dialogue and coordination

Kathmandu: Lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), representing various constituencies in Tarai-Madhes, have committed to playing an effective role in preventing further violence in their constituencies.

During a discussion called by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Friday, the MPs said they would continue dialogue with stakeholders to prevent further incidents of violence. They also emphasized the need to closely monitor those spreading rumors on social media, disrupting social harmony and inciting violence.

The lawmakers said they expect active support from the government and stressed that the government should play a role in controlling the spread of violence by strengthening border security, banning the sale and distribution of alcohol, gradually easing curfews and conducting public awareness campaigns on social harmony.

Dhanusha-3 MP Manish Jha said those spreading false information should be brought under the jurisdiction of the Press Council. He said misinformation was being spread using the names of journalists and emphasized the need to control misleading content circulated through social media.

Jha said the involvement of youths aged between 12 and 22 years in recent tensions has been noticeable and suggested preparing social harmony and awareness messages targeting that age group. He also recommended tightening border surveillance, issuing prohibitory orders when necessary, increasing security mobilization and closing liquor shops at appropriate times.

Kapilvastu-2 MP Bikram Thapa shared his experience of controlling similar situations in the district through immediate discussions with stakeholders. He said rumors spread through social media could increase tension and called for effective monitoring. He also stressed strengthening security and intelligence agencies and conducting detailed investigations into the weapons and bullets used in the incident. He suggested taking precautions to prevent tensions seen in Eastern Tarai from spreading to Western Tarai.

Rautahat MP Ghazala Shamim Mikrani said a long-term plan was necessary to normalize the situation and prevent similar problems in the future. She suggested conducting social harmony and public awareness programs from the school and college levels and giving special attention to the concerns of minority communities.

Bara-4 MP Rahbar Ansari emphasized the need for long-term solutions by identifying the causes behind such incidents rather than only focusing on immediate control. He suggested increasing monitoring of activities creating confusion through social media and said areas such as Birgunj and Bara are sensitive and require timely attention.

Kapilvastu-1 MP Mohanlal Acharya said some areas of the district are sensitive and stressed the need to conduct campaigns for maintaining harmony by involving youths. He suggested regulating false information, misleading content and hate speech on social media. He also called for dialogue among civil society, religious leaders, political parties, students, local representatives and youths, adding that harmony rallies are being organized in various places.

Dhanusha-4 MP Rajkishore Mahato said mobilizing trusted individuals at the local level would help control tensions. He said locals listen to people they trust and emphasized the need to restrict alcohol sales in sensitive situations, monitor movements and check identity cards when necessary.

Bara-2 MP Chandan Kumar Singh said tensions between communities are also caused by loud DJ use during religious and cultural programs and called for regulation of such activities.

Sarlahi-1 MP Nitima Karki (Bhandari) said the situation in the district is currently normal and that occasional attempts to create tension have been controlled. She emphasized the need for DJ regulation and said local representatives should remain connected with communities during sensitive situations.

The MPs concluded that the recent tension should not be viewed only as a security challenge but should also be addressed as an issue related to social, political and information flow.