KATHMANDU, Aug 27: Dharan experienced an unusually quiet Saturday as the streets remained devoid of activity due to the prohibitory order issued by the District Administration Office (DAO), Sunsari. The imposition of the prohibition order by the local administration took effect from midnight on Friday, covering the entire Dharan sub-metropolitan area.
In conjunction with this restriction, security checkpoints were significantly fortified at the entry points to thwart the attempts by Hindu activists to enter Dharan. The Hindu activists had initially planned a demonstration in Dharan on Saturday, following the circulation of issues in social media that could potentially harm religious and communal harmony.
The local administration had taken steps to cordon off checkpoints with a prohibition order following the preparation of the rival group to retaliate the planned demonstration. The move led to the demonstration of Hindu activists being curtailed at Itahari, owing to the blockade situated at the border. Their demonstration route was rerouted from Tarhra in Itahari to Panipiya. Notably, a substantial contingent of police force was deployed in Panipiya to maintain order and halt the protestors.
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Additionally, the police intercepted the activists en route to Dharan from Jhapa and Morang districts. In a collective effort, Dharan's civil society, along with 13 political parties, individuals holding positions as people's representatives, and former representatives, issued an appeal to avert any potential mishaps on Saturday. In tandem with this appeal, the civil society leaders also urged activists from both sides to desist from carrying out demonstrations.
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.
Earlier, 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 stated 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 also 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 in Dharan.
