Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balen Shah is facing growing criticism over his handling of the deadly unrest in Sunsari district, with opposition leaders, political analysts, and local representatives accusing the government of failing to provide timely leadership following violence that killed one person and injured more than 20 others.

The violence erupted on Sunday in Dewanganj, around 25 kilometers south of Inaruwa, after clashes between two groups. According to local authorities, 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta was shot dead during the incident, while more than 20 people—including police officers and protesters—were injured, several with gunshot wounds.

Critics say the Prime Minister neither addressed the nation nor convened an all-party meeting in the immediate aftermath of the violence. Instead, Shah issued a statement on social media late Tuesday, saying the government was treating the incident seriously, had mobilized state agencies, and was committed to an impartial investigation while urging all sides to remain calm.

In the absence of a government-led political initiative, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday attended by leaders from major political parties. Participants called for dialogue, restraint, and a fair investigation into the incident.

Leaders including Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden, Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Janamat Party Chair CK Raut, and representatives of other parties urged the government to play a more active role in restoring peace through political dialogue.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle also attended the meeting and reportedly said state agencies had been mobilized to investigate the incident. However, participants noted that he did not indicate he was representing the Prime Minister.

Opposition leaders criticized Shah’s absence, arguing that the country’s chief executive should have personally led efforts to ease tensions and coordinate a political response. Several also questioned the silence of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, saying the government had failed to demonstrate visible leadership during the crisis.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat rejected accusations of inaction, stating that Shah had publicly appealed for restraint, ordered an impartial investigation, and directed relevant agencies to take necessary action. The Secretariat maintained that the government was fully engaged in addressing the situation.

Political analysts, however, argued that a televised address or an all-party meeting led by the Prime Minister could have helped defuse tensions earlier and prevented the crisis from escalating.

Meanwhile, Lamichhane met President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday to discuss the Sunsari unrest, fueling debate over the respective roles of the Prime Minister and the ruling party chairman during national crises.

Separately, Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki convened an all-party meeting, where participants agreed on the need for a thorough investigation, compensation and support for the victim’s family, free treatment for the injured, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Speaker of the House has also urged Prime Minister Shah to address Parliament on both the Sunsari violence and the broader political situation following demands from opposition parties.

A curfew remains in effect in parts of Dewanganj, although the security situation has gradually improved. Security forces, including the Nepal Army, continue to maintain a strong presence in the affected areas.

Local residents have demanded justice for the victim, compensation for the bereaved family, free medical treatment for the injured, and sustained dialogue among political leaders, community representatives, and government authorities to prevent further communal tensions.

Residents and local observers say the dispute had been simmering for more than a month over disagreements involving public symbols and local activities before erupting into violence on Sunday. While tensions have begun to ease, they warn that lasting peace will depend on accountability, dialogue, and effective government action