ITAHARi, Aug 26: A large number of people are making their way from Itahari to Dharan to participate in the peace and harmony rally scheduled for today.
Following the local administration's imposition of a ban on the program initially planned in Dharan, the demonstrators congregated in Itahari and embarked on a rally en route to Dharan.
The procession, which commenced from Itahari's main square chanting slogans, walked past Halgadha and Aapgachi. While law enforcement agencies attempted to halt the rally in Halgadha, their efforts proved futile, and the procession continued towards Tarahara.
Let’s live in peace and embrace diversity
Officials said a large number of police personnel have been mobilized since morning to impede their progress of procession from Panipiya in Tarhara. The demonstrators have managed to break through the police cordon in Tarhara.
Police authorities have stated that they have devised a strategy to prevent further movement from Tarhara under any circumstances.
Participants in the rally chanted slogans advocating against cow slaughter, promoting religious preservation, and demanding accountability for cow slaughterers along with the calls for the resignation of the Home Minister.
An all-party discussion, led by Sunsari Chief District Officer Humkala Pandey, had asked Hindu religious organizations to reconsider their planned program for the day due to concerns about potential social discord in Dharan.
In response, the District Administration Office, Sunsari, issued a prohibitory order, stipulating that any religious, political, or public gatherings must be coordinated with security agencies unless for urgent matters, effective from midnight on Friday to midnight on Saturday. The notification explicitly states that violations will incur action in accordance with the Local Administration Act of 2028 BS.
In Dharan, religious and social activities were suspended on Friday to underscore the city's ethos of inclusivity across castes, languages, and religions. A unity rally was held to reinforce the message that Dharan has long maintained and will continue to uphold religious and social harmony.
Prior to the unity rally, extensive discussions were held among active political parties and concerned stakeholders in Dharan. Following these deliberations, 13 local political parties collectively affirmed their commitment to preserving both social and religious harmony.
Recent incidents, including the construction of a church near the Balagopal temple in Dharan Ward No. 14 and a controversial incident involving a bull in Mangalbare Chowk, Dharan Ward No. 11, where the act was shared on social media, have sparked concerns over the maintenance of religious and social harmony.
