In response to the situation following the incident in Dewanganj, Sunsari, civil society in Butwal organized a rally to appeal for social harmony. Social activist Birendra Bik has urged the government to conduct an impartial investigation, hold the perpetrators accountable, and provide appropriate relief and compensation to the victims’ families. Leaders of the civil society cautioned the government against unnecessary use of force on peaceful protesters and called on all parties to exercise restraint and strengthen national unity.
July 29, Butwal – With consideration of the circumstances arising from the incident in Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Kaptanganj of Sunsari, a rally led by civil society was held in Butwal to promote harmony. The rally, which carried banners calling for social, religious, and communal harmony, proceeded from Puspalal Chowk to Traffic Chowk in Butwal. The event saw significant participation from civil society leaders, human rights activists, journalists, representatives from professional organizations, leaders of various religious communities, and legal professionals.
Advocate Padam Karki, president of the National Freedom Citizens Forum, social activist Birendra Bik, human rights activist Govinda Khanal, and others led the rally, appealing to all participants to uphold and strengthen the centuries-old tradition of social harmony and national unity in Nepal. The July 25 incident in Dewanganj saw Omprakash Mahto fatally shot by police, with over 20 others, including security personnel, injured. Subsequently, curfews were imposed in five locations across Sunsari. Inspired by this event, protests have also occurred in Biratnagar, Siraha, and Saptari.
Speaking to the media after the rally, social activist Birendra Bik called upon the government to carry out an impartial investigation and enforce strict legal action against those responsible. He also urged the authorities not to use unnecessary force against peaceful citizens expressing their views and to respect human rights. “We appeal to security agencies, political parties, religious and social organizations, activists, intellectuals, and the media to act responsibly and help strengthen social harmony, religious tolerance, and national unity,” Bik stated. “The government must also take responsibility for providing appropriate relief and compensation to the deceased’s family and ensure full medical treatment for the injured.”
