Kathmandu, Jan. 7: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stressed the need for heightened alertness and coordinated efforts to maintain peace and order as the country moves closer to the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with Madhes Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna at her official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday. The discussion focused primarily on the law and order situation in parts of Madhes Province following unrest that began in Kamala Municipality of Dhanusha on Sunday and later spread to Birgunj. In response to the situation, the local administration had imposed a curfew in Birgunj from Monday evening to Tuesday afternoon.
Expressing concern over the disturbances, particularly at a time when the nation is entering an election phase, Prime Minister Karki underscored the importance of maintaining social harmony. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting also covered a range of contemporary political and social issues.
Prime Minister Karki praised Province Chief Karna for his balanced and “guardian-like” role in addressing political challenges in Madhes Province and urged him to continue similar efforts in resolving recent social tensions.
“The role you played in resolving political problems in Madhes Province is commendable,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that he would continue to unite all sections of society to uphold peace and harmony.
Noting that the country has fully entered an election atmosphere, Prime Minister Karki warned that certain elements might attempt to create instability. She called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work collectively to ensure tolerance, harmony and a conducive environment for the polls. She also urged the Province Chief to take the initiative in mobilising all state mechanisms to address potential challenges during the election period.
In response, Province Chief Karna informed the Prime Minister that security and administrative mechanisms had already been mobilised and that continuous efforts were underway to maintain peace and security in the province. He also briefed her on the work carried out during his two months in office.
On the occasion, Karna presented the Prime Minister with a replica of the Janaki Temple crafted by local Mithila artists, along with copies of his books.
Later, Prime Minister Karki shared details of the meeting on her Facebook page, stating that they had reviewed measures to maintain peace, harmony and tolerance while addressing the recently emerged political and social situation. She reiterated the need to remain alert during the crucial electoral phase and to mobilise all state mechanisms to ensure a peaceful environment.
She also noted that Province Chief Karna has been playing a balanced and guardian-like role among diverse sections of society and expressed hope for continued cooperation and support from all sides.
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