Nepal curfew extended in Sunsari after communal clash leaves one dead

Curfew was extended for an indefinite period in parts of eastern Nepal's Sunsari district on Tuesday as tension continued after communal violence left one person dead. Restrictions remained in force in several areas of the district in Koshi province, which borders India.

The District Administration Office in Sunsari said curfew and prohibitory orders were in effect from 7 am to 7 pm in several areas on Tuesday. Later in the evening, Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane said, "The curfew will remain effective for an indefinite period or until further notice is issued."

Chief District Officer Ishowari Prasad Aryal held a meeting with representatives of political parties and local stakeholders to review the security situation and discuss steps to ease tension. Curfew was lifted along the East-West Highway passing through Sunsari from 7 am to 3 pm to allow travellers to move, but it was reimposed at 3 pm. Lamichhane said the curfew on the highway stretch would also continue until further notice.

Five areas — Harinagara market, Bhutaha market, Kaptangunj market, Ghuski market and Dewangunj market — have been under curfew and prohibitory orders since Monday morning. The restrictions were first imposed after communal violence broke out on Sunday in the Kaptangunj area.

Police said one person was killed and more than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured when officers opened fire to disperse clashing groups after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities. The violence began after members of the two communities, who were holding separate programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags. A verbal altercation then turned violent, prompting security personnel to step in. Police said two of the injured remain in serious condition.

Under the curfew, public meetings, demonstrations, sit-ins and gatherings of more than four people have been banned. However, Lamichhane said demonstrations continued in parts of the district on Tuesday despite the restrictions. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party appealed to all sides to maintain peace, social harmony and tolerance. In a statement signed by party chairman Ravi Lamichhane, it demanded an independent, neutral and prompt investigation into the incident, stern legal action against those responsible, compensation for the victims and free treatment for those injured.

In neighbouring Morang district, the District Administration Office has banned the use of DJs at religious, cultural and social functions in view of the sensitive situation after the violence in Sunsari. The developments came as authorities kept curfew and prohibitory orders in place in Sunsari while efforts continued to prevent any fresh unrest.

With PTI Inputs

Curfew was extended for an indefinite period in parts of eastern Nepal's Sunsari district on Tuesday as tension continued after communal violence left one person dead. Restrictions remained in force in several areas of the district in Koshi province, which borders India.

The District Administration Office in Sunsari said curfew and prohibitory orders were in effect from 7 am to 7 pm in several areas on Tuesday. Later in the evening, Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane said, "The curfew will remain effective for an indefinite period or until further notice is issued."

Chief District Officer Ishowari Prasad Aryal held a meeting with representatives of political parties and local stakeholders to review the security situation and discuss steps to ease tension. Curfew was lifted along the East-West Highway passing through Sunsari from 7 am to 3 pm to allow travellers to move, but it was reimposed at 3 pm. Lamichhane said the curfew on the highway stretch would also continue until further notice.

Five areas — Harinagara market, Bhutaha market, Kaptangunj market, Ghuski market and Dewangunj market — have been under curfew and prohibitory orders since Monday morning. The restrictions were first imposed after communal violence broke out on Sunday in the Kaptangunj area.

Police said one person was killed and more than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured when officers opened fire to disperse clashing groups after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities. The violence began after members of the two communities, who were holding separate programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags. A verbal altercation then turned violent, prompting security personnel to step in. Police said two of the injured remain in serious condition.

Under the curfew, public meetings, demonstrations, sit-ins and gatherings of more than four people have been banned. However, Lamichhane said demonstrations continued in parts of the district on Tuesday despite the restrictions. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party appealed to all sides to maintain peace, social harmony and tolerance. In a statement signed by party chairman Ravi Lamichhane, it demanded an independent, neutral and prompt investigation into the incident, stern legal action against those responsible, compensation for the victims and free treatment for those injured.

In neighbouring Morang district, the District Administration Office has banned the use of DJs at religious, cultural and social functions in view of the sensitive situation after the violence in Sunsari. The developments came as authorities kept curfew and prohibitory orders in place in Sunsari while efforts continued to prevent any fresh unrest.

With PTI Inputs