Gagan Thapa Appeals for Calm After Police Shooting in Devangunj

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa has expressed sorrow over the incident in which local Omprakash Mehta died from a police bullet in Devangunj, Sunsari, and appealed to all citizens to maintain restraint and social harmony.

Issuing a video message through social media Facebook on Tuesday night, he urged to resolve the problem through dialogue and restraint, leaving aside provocation and revenge.

Offering condolences to Mehta, who lost his life in the incident, Thapa expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He raised serious questions against the government, asking why the situation arose where innocent citizens had to be shot.

'Why did the situation arise where Omprakash Mehta had to be shot intentionally? We are asking this question to the government,' said leader Thapa, 'We demand a clear answer from the government and will hold the government accountable.' 

Emphasizing the need for restraint from the citizen level to manage the deteriorating situation, he urged everyone to rise above rumors, provocation, and revenge at this time. 'If we lose our restraint and cannot maintain patience, we may have to pay a heavy price,' he warned, adding, 'Unity in diversity, religious tolerance, and social harmony are the identity of Nepali society.' 

Thapa has instructed local Nepali Congress workers to be involved in the treatment of the injured, assist the victim's family, and take the initiative to maintain religious tolerance and social harmony. 

He also appealed to the local residents, social organizations, political parties, and all citizens to think seriously and contribute from their respective positions to normalize the situation. He stated that whoever makes mistakes and weaknesses will have to pay for it and the government must take full responsibility.