Lalitpur, An interfaith prayer assembly was held in Lalitpur with the participation of leaders from different religions, calling for peace, reconciliation, and harmony in Nepal. The event was organized by the National Inter-Religious Network Nepal (NIRN) in memory of the youths who lost their lives during the recent Gen-Z protests against corruption, and to wish for the speedy recovery of those injured.
NIRN Chairperson Ven. Mr. Piyadassi Maharjan said that Nepal is currently passing through a sensitive phase, and only collaboration and coexistence can ensure lasting peace. According to him, the demonstrations of September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24) resulted in the death of more than 75 people and the destruction of properties worth billions, a tragic event that has shaken the entire nation.
Hindu religious leader Pandit Ram Chandra Bhandari paid tribute to the martyrs of the Gen-Z movement and urged that such violent incidents must not be repeated. “Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Therefore, peace, compassion, and truth must prevail in this land,” he said.
Bhikkhu Dharmamurti, representing the Buddhist community, expressed hope that violence and conflict would end permanently and that peace would be restored in society. He highlighted that spiritual values and religious practice are essential to building a tolerant and humane nation.
From the Muslim community, Maulana MD Salman prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the demonstrations. He stressed that people from all religions should come together to help the nation find a peaceful way forward.
Christian leader Isu Jung Karki urged the interim government to work together with NIRN to advance reconciliation and peace-building processes. He stated that cooperation between faith communities and the state is crucial to realizing the aspirations of the younger generation who sacrificed for change.
Tilak Chamling, a leader of the Kirat community, announced that his community would also launch special campaigns to promote peace and reconciliation. He committed to inspiring all groups to uphold the values of peace and faith in society.
At the program, Deepak Acharya, Manager of CIN, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Gen-Z youth, security agencies, civil servants, civil society, institutions, media, and religious leaders to jointly launch a nationwide peace campaign.
NIRN’s manager Nahida Banu said that her organization would continue to take initiatives for peace and reconciliation and would work tirelessly to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs.
The interfaith gathering concluded with collective prayers and commitments from religious leaders, urging all communities to embrace harmony and non-violence.
The program was supported by World Vision International.
—Source: https://www.educastnepal.com