Dharan, the once-celebrated ‘City of Lahures,’ has a storied history that has propelled it into the spotlight on numerous occasions. However, the current turmoil it faces has cast a shadow over its illustrious past. With a rich heritage spanning 130 years, Dharan finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with religious tensions and internal strife.
In 2045, Dharan made a resilient recovery after an earthquake, showcasing its tenacity. Yet, the recent seismic shockwaves triggered by religious discord have raised concerns about whether the city can rise again from the ashes of divisive forces.
The historical and cultural significance of Dharan has long been overshadowed by the recent turmoil. Disturbingly, the very fabric of religious harmony has been torn asunder, and the spirit of unity is being replaced by division. This upheaval emerges at a time when Dharan, home to a population of 173,096, is grappling not only with social disharmony but also a grave dengue outbreak that has claimed 12 lives and left over 16,000 individuals affected.
The situation escalated on June 22 when Hindu proponents submitted a memorandum, expressing concerns about a church built near the Gopal temple and Pindeshwar temple in the ‘radar’ area. The debate surrounding this issue quickly spiraled into a verbal conflict between Hindus and Christians, prompting demands for the relocation of the church.
However, the city’s mayor, Hark Sampang, took an unconventional stance, suggesting that the matter should be resolved through the legal system. This stance, while aimed at fairness, has further ignited tensions between religious groups.
A controversial act by the Tribal Cultural Rights Forum, involving the public slaughtering of a cow and subsequent feasting, further inflamed religious sentiments. The subsequent release of those involved, Rajan Pariyar and Bindra Rai, following viral videos of the event, incensed the Hindu community and intensified the ongoing unrest.
The aftermath of these incidents has seen the Hindu community organizing a peace rally in the Itahari area, intending to march to Dharan. In response, the Sunsari district administration imposed a 24-hour curfew, citing dengue concerns, yet implying deeper tensions between rally participants and tribal-related cultural rights forum supporters.
Dharan’s plight now stands as a reflection of broader issues. Sociologist Prof. Dr. Bhim Khatiwada warns that while the city has weathered previous challenges, the present situation threatens its social fabric. Maintaining harmony is crucial, encompassing both religious faith and ethnic culture. Khatiwada underscores that extreme viewpoints can exacerbate fractures in society.
Prof. Dr. Rajendra Sharma identifies Dharan as a city of immigrants, with its diverse population drawn from various eastern districts. In light of this, he urges for a balanced approach, emphasizing that extremist perspectives must be shunned. To preserve the city’s integrity, collective vigilance and responsible actions are imperative.
As Dharan navigates its multifaceted challenges, a collective commitment to unity and mutual respect remains the beacon of hope. The city’s rich history, diverse heritage, and resilient spirit can yet guide it through these troubled waters, steering it towards a future where harmony prevails over discord.
