Dharan: In a remarkable display of unity amidst diverse political affiliations, Mayor Harak Sampang of Dharan, along with 13 prominent political parties, issued separate statements on Friday, jointly calling for restraint and harmony in the region. Despite differing political ideologies on state and union levels, these parties have come together to advocate for a sense of cohesion and tranquility.

Mayor Sampang's statement underscored the pivotal significance of mutual understanding, harmony, brotherhood, and unity among Dharan's citizens. He fervently appealed to all residents to approach matters with sensitivity and restraint, recognizing the sentiments held by various parties, communities, and individuals.

In a rare manifestation of consensus, multiple political entities, including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Center, United Samajwadi Party, Jaspa, Raswapa, and a coalition of 13 other parties, issued a joint proclamation expressing shared apprehension regarding the prevailing circumstances in Dharan. This unified stance transcending political boundaries led to a unanimous call for the suspension of all scheduled events slated for Saturday within Dharan. This collective plea emphatically underscores the paramount importance of nurturing a peaceful and harmonious environment within the city.

Despite disparate political stances at broader levels, these declarations and appeals accentuate the collective aspiration to ensure social coherence and stability exclusively within Dharan.

With mounting concerns surrounding public health and the imperative of sustaining peace, security, and communal concord, the District Administration Office of Sunsari has enforced a 24-hour prohibitory mandate within Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.

Effective from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday, the decree comes in the wake of the recent classification of a "public health emergency" spanning all 20 wards of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. The emergency was prompted by the identification of an estimated 15,000 cases of dengue infection within the area.

Encompassing the geographical expanse from Barahachhetra Municipality-1 (Jhanda Chowk) in the west to Ramdhuni Municipality-6 in the west-south, the order also envelops the central area of Dharan, starting from Nadaha Chowk of Barahachhetra Municipality-3. Additionally, a distinct prohibitory edict has been announced, extending from Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-20 Tarahara Panipiya northwards to Dharan.

As stipulated by Clause 6 (3) of the Local Administration Act, all forms of social, religious, and political congregations, including rallies, have been prohibited during the 24-hour stipulated period, commencing from midnight.

The administration explicitly entreated all entities within Dharan Sub-Metropolis to refrain from organizing any gatherings or demonstrations. Any violation of this directive will invite legal repercussions under the Local Administration Act of 2028.

Simultaneously, Harka Raj Rai, the Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolis, earnestly urged the city's inhabitants to prioritize mutual harmony, brotherhood, and unity. Through a statement released on Friday, he stressed that the propagation of divisive and disruptive ideologies could erode social bonds, and called on citizens to uphold these values for the collective well-being of Dharan sub-metropolis.