KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has expressed sorrow over the deadly violence in Sunsari, urging the public to remain calm and maintain social harmony while assuring that those responsible will face legal action.

In a Facebook post late Tuesday night, Shah said the incident had left communities divided and fearful, describing it as a tragedy that had saddened him not only as prime minister but also as a citizen of Nepal.

“I deeply feel the pain of the families who lost their loved ones in Sunsari,” he said, pledging that the government would provide justice and compensation as soon as possible. He also assured the public that those responsible would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Shah acknowledged that the unrest had escalated from what began as a minor incident, resulting in the loss of life and growing communal tensions. He stressed that no one who values humanity would want such an outcome.

The prime minister also addressed the police firing that claimed a civilian’s life, calling it a serious matter. He said an investigation was already underway and promised that any wrongdoing by security personnel would also be dealt with under the law.

Shah said the government was reviewing every aspect of the Sunsari incident and would take immediate steps to prevent similar violence in the future. He urged people to reject anger, revenge and hatred, emphasizing that protecting human life is the highest duty and calling on citizens to remain patient, peaceful and united while the government delivers justice.