Kathmandu, August 11, 2025
Experts and political leaders from Nepal have stressed the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation to address the growing threat of terrorism across South Asia, warning that the issue poses not only a security challenge but also a barrier to peace and development in the region.
Speaking at a seminar on “The State of Terrorism in South Asia and Long-term Solutions” organized by the Nepal-India Development Forum in Kathmandu, leaders emphasized that terrorism transcends religion, ideology, and borders, and therefore requires collective action from all regional states.
Former Minister and Nepali Congress leader Dr. Minendra Rijal described the increasing frequency of terrorist incidents in South Asia as deeply concerning. Citing recent attacks in India’s Pahalgam, Mumbai, and Parliament building, he reiterated Nepal’s commitment to supporting India’s anti-terrorism efforts, noting that violence targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable to Nepal.
Former Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Shakti Basnet cautioned that military solutions alone cannot eliminate terrorism, urging regional nations to combine security measures with socio-economic development.
Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav warned that South Asia risks becoming a breeding ground for terrorism if nations fail to prevent invisible support, shelter, or funding for such activities. He noted that poverty and unemployment continue to fuel radicalization, and called on larger nations like India to take leadership in counter-terrorism initiatives.
Other speakers, including Rastriya Mukti Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, former Secretary Madhuraman Acharya, senior advocate Dr. Dinesh Tripathi, and conflict expert Indra Adhikari, stressed that the fight against terrorism must unite all sections of civilized society, as it is an unequivocal crime against humanity.
According to regional studies, over 190,000 terrorist attacks have occurred in South Asia over the past five decades, with India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan bearing the brunt of the violence. Experts highlighted that Nepal’s open border and close historical ties with India mean that instability in one country can directly impact the other, making vigilance and proactive cooperation essential.
The event concluded with a shared call for a unified South Asian front against terrorism, grounded in security collaboration, intelligence sharing, and addressing the socio-economic conditions that allow extremism to thrive.
