Minister Gupta directs for taking action against culprits of Birgunj clash

Kathmandu, April 16: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, has directed the bodies concerned to carry out an investigation into the incident resulting in disturbing the social harmony of Birgunj and to take action against the culprits as per the law.     

Issuing a press release today, he said it was the duty of all citizens to express a sense of mutual respect and brotherhood among religious, cultural and ethnic diversities and stressed the need for restraint and understanding from all sides to maintain peace and tolerance in the society.     

"The act of disturbing mutual harmony under any pretext is sad and worrisome, citizens showing respect for each other's religious beliefs and faith is the basis of coexistence,” Minister Gupta said in the press release.     

Minister Gupta said that he was constantly in touch with the local administration and security agencies in view of the situation after the clash.     

He also directed the police administration to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.     

Expressing deep concern over the attempts to disturb social harmony in Birgunj, which is known as the economic and industrial center of the country, he urged all Birgunj residents to exercise restraint and remain alert.     

Minister Gupta's statement comes in the aftermath of a clash that took place between the Hindus and Muslim community in course of a religious procession the former had organized on the occasion of the Hanuman Jayanti on April 12. The District Administration Office, Parsa had to enforce curfew to restore law and order following the clash.(RSS)