By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel
Ever since we restored multiparty democracy in 1990, we have become accustomed to political instability, leading to a sluggish economy, unemployment and rampant corruption. In addition, the mass exodus of competent youth abroad in search of greener pastures, poor governance and misrule are other problems staring us in the face. All these are manifestations of political instability.
However, the most alarming threat to our long-standing peace and social harmony is the growing incidence of communal violence in the country, particularly in Madhesh Province. Reports of clashes between two religious groups—Hindu and Muslim—have become almost a common occurrence, particularly in Madhesh Province. This certainly does not augur well for a country like ours, which has long been known for its peace, harmony and sense of brotherhood among its people, regardless of their colour, caste, creed, sex or geographical background.
Look at the recent dispute on the night of July 20, 2026, in Kaptanganj, Ward No. 3 of Dewangunj Rural Municipality in Sunsari district. What began as a dispute over a loud DJ system playing outside a temple snowballed into communal violence, with reports of the death of a local boy and many injuries. The tragedy brought life to a standstill. The East-West Highway was blocked, stranding commuters and travellers. The district administration imposed a curfew and prohibitory orders to prevent further loss of life and property.
In response to the deteriorating public safety situation in Sunsari district, Home Minister Sudan Gurung called an emergency meeting. Attended by security chiefs and ministry officials, the meeting called upon the people to exercise maximum caution. No doubt, this was a swift action. But the meeting failed to examine why such cases are being reported time and again.
Well, this is not the first time that cases of communal violence have been reported from this part of the country. As a matter of fact, religious clashes have become almost normalised among the people. Highly placed sources report that more than 17 people have lost their lives in communal clashes in Madhesh Province since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006. The statistics are alarming, given the country’s historical background and its legacy of peace and social harmony.
While life in Dewangunj has returned to normal, the incident has once again raised concerns among the people. They are asking whether Nepal, particularly Madhesh Province, is gradually transforming into a hotbed of communal clashes, destabilising our long-standing tradition of social peace and harmony. Their concerns cannot be ruled out altogether.
When we assess the communal clashes in Madhesh Province over the past decade, the findings themselves indicate that the province is highly vulnerable to religious conflict. This is substantiated by the incidents described below.
In 2019, Rautahat district witnessed communal violence during a religious festival. Groups from the Hindu and Muslim communities resorted to violence, hooliganism and vandalism, damaging property worth millions of rupees. The local administration intervened, and the communal clash subsequently subsided.
Just a year later, a horrific tragedy was reported in Sarlahi district of Madhesh Province. Media reports said that a dispute started over the immersion of a Bishwakarma idol in Malangwa and resulted in stone-pelting and vandalism. A large number of people from both Hindu and Muslim communities were injured in the incident. To prevent further deterioration of the situation, the local administration intervened, and life returned to normal.
Similarly, a worrying incident came to light in Janakpur Dham—the birthplace of Goddess Sita—in November 2021. During Chhath Puja, some antisocial elements created havoc, destabilising social harmony and peace. When the situation turned nasty, the police intervened and dispersed the troublemakers.
Three years later, Biratnagar also witnessed a communal clash during Ram Navami rallies.
Just last year, tensions escalated following a fight involving members of different communities over an idol immersion procession in Dhanusha district. According to media reports, the procession passing through a mixed-community area sparked stone-pelting, arson and vandalism, damaging property worth thousands of rupees. The local administration intervened and imposed a curfew and prohibitory orders to bring the situation under control.
In early January 2026, there was a report of a mosque being demolished in Dhanusha district by some miscreants. This again led to significant communal tension and protests. A week later, Birgunj witnessed tension and clashes in response to the mosque demolition in Dhanusha. According to reports, a mob took to the streets in response to the demolition, resorting to violence, arson and vandalism.
Now, a moot question arises: Is this the result of our internal weakness in managing diverse sentiments and maintaining peace and social harmony, or are external forces with a sinister agenda trying to disrupt our long-standing tradition of social peace and harmony? We hope we will get an answer very soon.
The latest episode of communal violence in Dewangunj has posed a grave threat to our historical legacy and long-standing tradition of peace and harmony. It has also highlighted concerns that Madhesh Province is gradually transforming into a hotbed of communal violence. As of now, four locals have reportedly lost their lives in the tragedy in the district.
What is particularly surprising is that Nepal, which has long been known across the globe for its legacy of social peace and harmony, is now making headlines for religious conflicts. At present, not only some peace-loving people but also dogs are travelling long distances to spread the message of peace, kindness and compassion.
Take the example of Aloka, a stray dog from Kolkata who has travelled long distances alongside Buddhist monks. Their purpose is to spread love, peace, kindness and compassion.
While dogs understand the value and significance of peace, we are fighting and killing people in the name of religion. This leads us to conclude that dogs may be more peace-loving beings than humans. What a pity!
It is an established fact that the overall development of a nation is not possible without lasting peace. It is also difficult to assume that communal violence will not occur unless necessary action is taken to prevent it. We have already seen enough killings and hatred in the past. Now, we cannot afford to see the country plunge into a cycle of crises in the name of communal violence.
Today, it is a few districts of Madhesh Province. Tomorrow, it could spread to another province. Nepal—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—could become an epicentre of communal violence if we continue to ignore the problem under one pretext or another.
Login to add a comment