Progressive Democratic Party Condemns State Violence in Sunsari

Kathmandu. The Progressive Democratic Party (Pratidhwani Loktantrik Party - Pralopa) has expressed serious concern over the state's firing during the tension in the Kapantaganj area of Dewangunj Rural Municipality in Sunsari, which resulted in the death of local youth Om Prakash Mehta and injuries to other citizens.

A press statement issued by the party's Publicity Department Chief Rajman Tamang on Tuesday stated that although the government's first duty is to ensure peace, security, and the protection of citizens' lives and property, the Dewangunj incident has raised serious questions about the government's sensitivity, administrative capacity, and responsibility. 

The party demands that the government provide a clear answer as to why force was used when the dispute should have been resolved through dialogue and consensus, and why a situation arose where a citizen had to lose their life.

Pralopa has offered condolences to Om Prakash Mehta, who lost his life in the incident, and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. It has also urged the government to arrange free, effective, and quality treatment for all injured citizens.

The party also stated that the current government should immediately stop interfering with democratic processes, constitutional institutions, and citizens' rights, and suppressing citizens to cover up its failures. It emphasized that in a democracy, the voice of the people should be addressed through dialogue and consensus, not suppression.

The press statement demanded that the government conduct a high-level, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident, make the facts public, bring whoever is guilty to justice and take strict action, and provide appropriate relief and compensation to the victim's family. Furthermore, the party expressed the view that the state should abandon the policy of using force and resolve problems through dialogue, consensus, and legal processes.

Pralopa has appealed to all residents of Sunsari and all Nepali citizens in this sensitive situation to stay away from rumors, incitement, and activities that disrupt social and religious harmony, and to maintain religious tolerance, social harmony, and national unity.