For the first time since taking office in March, the Prime Minister delivered an important address to the nation on Thursday. Urging the countrymen to maintain peace and harmony, he said, “Let us all together dispel the clouds of unrest.”

According to official information, the clash broke out in a village in Sunsari district bordering India last Sunday. A heated argument began with local Muslims over playing songs at high volume and hoisting religious flags during a Hindu religious procession. At one point, the situation turned into bloody clashes.

Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said two people were killed when police fired to control the situation. Later, one more person died while protesting defying curfew in neighboring Siraha district.

To prevent further deterioration of the situation, the local administration has imposed a strict curfew in Sunsari and surrounding districts.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government is calling upon all citizens, civil society, religious leaders, political parties and the media to play a responsible role. He said, “Maintaining peace, harmony, brotherhood and national unity in the country is now our main goal.”

Assuring a fair and impartial investigation into the clashes, he said those involved in the violence will be brought under the law.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said that law enforcement personnel have been put on maximum alert to prevent possible new violence. Necessary measures are being taken to protect people's lives and property and keep the situation under control.