Narendra Modi voices concern over Nepal violence

Kathmandu, Aug 25: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in violence in Nepal linked to the drafting of a new constitution.

In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Modi expressed concern that political and social instability would seriously compound the tragedy caused by the deadly April earthquake in Nepal.

Twenty people, including 17 policemen, were killed and more than 100 injured in western Nepal's Kailali district in clashes on Monday between security forces and protesters demanding a separate Tharuhat province.

According to a statement from the Indian government, Modi called for restraint and restoration of peace and order in the landlocked nation.

He urged the government, political parties and the people of Nepal to eschew violence and maintain social harmony.

The Indian leader also lauded the historic progress that Nepal had made in the peace process and while drafting its constitution.

He urged Nepal's leaders to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue between and through the process of widest possible consultation, including with the public.

They should arrive at "solutions that reflect the will and accommodate the aspirations of all citizens of a richly diverse society within a united, peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal", the statement said.

As a neighbour, India would do all it can for Nepal's security, he added.

Modi told Koirala that India's only desire was to see the emergence of a peaceful, secure, stable, democratic and prosperous Nepal.