diff --git a/appview/pages/templates/repo/issues/fragments/newComment.html b/appview/pages/templates/repo/issues/fragments/newComment.html
index 8e31c64e..2c177023 100644
--- a/appview/pages/templates/repo/issues/fragments/newComment.html
+++ b/appview/pages/templates/repo/issues/fragments/newComment.html
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
       {{ template "fragments/markdownEditor"
         (dict "Name"        "body"
               "BlobName"    "blob"
+              "Required"    true
               "Placeholder" "Add to the discussion. Markdown is supported.") }}
     </div>