Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Leaders of various religious communities have appealed to all Nepalis to stand firmly in favour of peace, harmony, religious tolerance, rule of law and national unity.

After the discussion held at Singha Durbar on Monday, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, the leaders of Muslim and Hindu communities issued a joint appeal, calling for rejecting any kind of violence, hatred and divisive activities.

They appealed to all to be aware of the various activities being carried out to disturb the centuries-old tolerance and social harmony. He also urged the local administration, security bodies, political parties, religious leaders, civil society, media and all stakeholders to actively contribute to the restoration of peace, security and social harmony through dialogue, collaboration and responsible play.

The joint appeal was signed by World Hindu Federation Nepal’s General Secretary Ram Chandra Tiwari, Jamiat ulma-ul-e-Nepal President Maulana Mohammad Khalid Siddiqui, Federation secretariat member Rajuraj Phuyal and Al-Salam Society President Maulana Nazrul Hasan Falahi.

“The spirit of all religions is human welfare, tolerance, social unity and brotherhood. “It is our collective responsibility to strengthen social unity by accepting the fact that no religion discriminates against those following another religion,” reads the appeal.

They also urged the government to investigate the facts about the incidents that took place in Sunsari, Siraha and other districts of Madhes Province and take action against those involved in illegal activities, provide necessary relief to the victims’ families, appropriate compensation and provide free and effective treatment to the injured.

“At a time when various interest groups are trying to spread violent incidents in the name of religion, we urge all citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from indulging in provocative, hateful or disturbing social harmony,” reads the appeal.

Stating that Nepal is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural nation, they said that religious tolerance, social goodwill and mutual respect are bases for national unity and identity. “We are clear that national unity and identity should not be dented just because of any incident or dispute,” reads the appeal.