Following reports of angry protestors going on rampage to protest the killing of 12 Nepalis by Iraqi terrorists, leaders of major political parties have urged for restraint to keep intact the communal and religious harmony.

Former prime minister and Rashtriya Prajatantra Party leader Surya Bahadur Thapa said it was time for the general people to show restraint and unity to tackle with the present state of shock and anger. “What happened to 12 Nepalis in Iraq is simply gruesome. But, there are indications that the subsequent protests might dent the communal and religious harmony. All Nepalis therefore must be careful not to create such a situation,” Thapa said in an interview with the state-owned Radio Nepal.

Dubbing the act of vandalism by protests as very sad, Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel said, “The anger of the people has been manifested in street protests which is not unreal. But, at the same time, we should be cautious not to incur losses on the nation and harm the communal and religious harmony in the name of giving voice to the anger,” Poudel maintained speaking to the same radio station.

Expressing similar concerns, CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli said that violent activities that took place during the protests today were unfortunate. He said: “All Nepalis should be cautious not to let the situation turn destructive.” Oli too was talking to Radio Nepal for Ghatana Ra Bichar program.

He further said, “Both the government and the people should be serious not to break the unity that exists among religious groups.”