Situala led delegation visits Indo-Nepal border to restore peace

Nepal Home Minister Krishna Prasad Situala and a Maoist lawmaker visited Indo-Nepal border area on Sunday to restore social harmony after violent protest broke out against the killing of a pro-Madhesi leader.

Krishnanagar (Nepal), Sept 23 : Nepal Home Minister Krishna Prasad Situala and a Maoist lawmaker visited Indo-Nepal border area on Sunday to restore social harmony after violent protest broke out against the killing of a pro-Madhesi leader.

Nepali authorities had imposed an indefinite curfew in four southwestern towns following violent protests against the killing of pro-Madhesi leader Mohit Khan on September 16.

The Nepal Government has formed a high-level judicial committee to probe the unprecedented violence in Kapilvastu District and surrounding areas.

"A High level committee is enquiring the issue. For this, a judicial committee has been formed which will submit its report in one month," said Situala.

The ten-member delegation stressed on maintaining social harmony in the region.

The murder sparked protests among the local Madhesi and Pahade groups in Kapilvastu and Rupendehi districts, who clashed with police and set fire to dozens of shops and vehicles.

The Madhesis are indigenous inhabitants of the Terai while the Pahade are originally from the hills but migrated to the Terai for work.

Meanwhile, Nepali lawmaker Pampha Bhusal blamed foreign powers of obstructing the restoration of democracy in the country.

"There are people who do not want social harmony and peace in Nepal. There are still supporters of monarchy and also foreign powers who are against restoration of democracy in Nepal," she said.

The Indo-Nepal border area has been a playground for elements engaged in anti-national activities.

India's Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped up security along the border areas, and is keeping a close eye on the situation in Nepal.

Nepal is due to hold national elections in November for an assembly that will draft a new constitution and decide the fate of the monarchy.

ANI