KATHMANDU: Former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah has expressed deep concern over the recent communal conflict and unrest in various villages and settlements of Sunsari district, urging Nepalis to preserve the country’s long-standing tradition of unity and social harmony.

In a message issued through his Communication Secretariat at Nirmal Niwas on Wednesday, Shah said he was deeply saddened by reports that the dispute in Sunsari had caused loss of life and property and that its impact had spread to parts of the Koshi region and the Tarai.

“Nepal has long been known as a country where harmony exists among all communities. Such unfortunate incidents and disturbances are a matter of serious concern and are contrary to our fundamental values and traditions,” the message said.

Shah emphasized that Nepal’s pride and identity rest on its multiethnic, multilingual and multireligious diversity and stressed that this unique character must not be allowed to weaken.
“From the very beginning of Nepal’s nation-building, Nepalis have lived together with mutual affection, goodwill and coexistence,” he said. “No one should be allowed to disrupt that harmony.”

Recalling that Nepal enjoys international respect because of its distinctive religious, cultural and social traditions, the former king appealed to Nepalis living in all parts of the country to remain united and coexist peacefully. “Wherever we may live, we Nepalis must stand together. That is our appeal, and that is the need of the hour,” the message added.