KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has urged Nepalis to reject division and play a responsible role in strengthening national unity, social harmony and the rule of law amid recent unrest in eastern Nepal.

Speaking at a memorial programme for late Nepal Communist Party leader Tulsilal Amatya in Kathmandu on Sunday, Bhandari said the recent violence and tensions in Sunsari and other eastern Tarai districts had drawn national attention.

“Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious and multicultural country. Mutual respect, tolerance and social harmony are the foundations of national unity,” she said, calling on citizens to exercise restraint, avoid rumours, hatred and divisive activities, and contribute to maintaining social harmony and the rule of law.

Bhandari also paid tribute to the late Tulsilal Amatya, praising his contribution to the communist movement, farmers’ rights, democratic struggles and the organisation of workers, and urged people to uphold his ideals of dedication and public service.