All-party meeting in Dhangadhi commits to safeguarding social and religious harmony

Far West: A collective commitment has been expressed to maintain religious and communal harmony, social unity, and peace and security.

At an all-party meeting held in Dhangadhi on Sunday under the chairmanship of Kailali Chief District Officer Hiralal Regmi, participants pledged to work together to prevent any unwanted activities in a society that has coexisted for centuries.

During the meeting, leaders and representatives of political parties, as well as Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other religious and social organizations, said they would remain active in their respective areas to promote social harmony and public welfare. Chief District Officer Regmi stated that a high level of alert has been maintained in Kailali due to increasing anti-religious harmony activities reported in some districts of Eastern Nepal and the Tarai-Madhes region. He added that the administration is monitoring suspicious activities and movements in border areas and other sensitive locations, and emphasized the need for cooperation from all stakeholders.

Leaders from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities stressed their commitment to preventing any misconduct within their communities and ensuring that those involved in wrongdoing are dealt with according to the law. The meeting also decided to form or reorganize Inter-religious and Social Harmony Coordination Committees at the sub-metropolitan, municipal and rural municipality levels, in coordination with local chiefs and ward chairpersons, and to mobilize them effectively.

It was also agreed that religious gatherings, processions or programs representing only one community would not be held without prior approval. Participants agreed that weapons, sticks, spears or similar items would not be displayed or used during religious activities, and that actions that could hurt the religious sentiments of other communities would be avoided. The meeting further decided that legal action would be taken against any individual or organization spreading misleading, provocative or hateful content targeting any religious group through social media or other means.

To ensure effective peace, security and crime control in the district, it was stated that all travelers entering Nepal from neighboring countries must present identification, and that strict surveillance will be maintained along border areas.

Additionally, under the leadership of the Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it was decided to organize a civic harmony rally on Monday with participation from political parties, religious communities, professional organizations, media representatives, intellectuals, civil society and the general public to promote the message of peace, harmony, mutual respect and national unity.