Indefinite Curfew Imposed in Sunsari Amid Communal Tensions

In response to escalating tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in Sunsari, Nepal, authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew. The unrest began during a religious festival when loud music sparked a confrontation, leading to violence and a tragic death. The curfew aims to prevent further disturbances and maintain public order. A meeting of the National Security Council has been convened to address the situation and enhance coordination among security agencies. Reports indicate prior warnings of potential religious and ethnic divisions in the region, raising concerns about communal harmony. The situation remains delicate as efforts continue to restore peace.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 16:21 IST

Curfew Enforced in Response to Clashes

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Kathmandu, July 30: Tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the Kaptanganj region of Sunsari district have escalated, prompting the District Administration Office (DAO) of Siraha to impose an indefinite curfew in certain areas.

The curfew, which also affects parts of Sunsari, was enforced on Thursday. Both districts share a border with the Indian state of Bihar.

Surendra Paudel, the Chief District Officer of Siraha, announced the curfew starting at 2 PM local time on Thursday until further notice.

According to the official notice, the decision was made following an evaluation of the security situation, which indicated a risk of protests or riots that could disrupt public order. This action was taken in line with the District Security Committee's recommendations.

The curfew encompasses the area from Kasaha Khola in Golbazar Municipality-3 on the eastern side of the East-West Highway to Choharwa Chowk in the west, and from Sainik Chowk in the north to the vicinity of Rampratap Ramprasad Tamang Janata Multiple Campus in the south.

Authorities have warned that any violations of the curfew will result in legal consequences.

On July 26, localized violence erupted between Hindu and Muslim groups in Kaptanganj as Hindu devotees were making their way to Kaptanganj Chowk from the Koshi Barrage, carrying holy water for the Bolbam festival while playing loud DJ music.

Police reported that objections from some members of the Muslim community regarding the loud music led to a confrontation, which escalated into a physical altercation. Both communities gathered in large numbers, armed with makeshift weapons such as sticks and stones, necessitating police intervention. Tragically, during the clash, a youth named Om Prakash Mehta was killed by police gunfire.

While police believe the situation has improved, they remain cautious about the potential for further violence without increased security measures.

"The situation is still precarious, which is why the curfew remains in effect," stated Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabhu Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Madhesh Province Police Office.

The curfew in Sunsari includes all areas of Inaruwa Municipality, Duhabi Municipality, Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality, Koshi Rural Municipality, Gadhi Rural Municipality, Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Harinagar Rural Municipality, and Barju Rural Municipality.

In Itahari Sub-metropolitan City, restrictions apply to Wards 16 and 17 within a 200-meter corridor on both sides of the Mahendra Highway. Similarly, in Ramdhuni Municipality, Wards 1 and 5 are included within the same corridor along the highway.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, convened on Thursday to review the overall security situation in Nepal, particularly the recent violence in Sunsari. The Council decided to enhance coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders to maintain social harmony and national unity.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Secretariat following the meeting indicated that the Council assessed the security environment and committed to improving collaboration among all security agencies and relevant parties to ensure peace and communal harmony.

The Council noted that the situation in Sunsari is gradually stabilizing due to the joint efforts of political parties, local stakeholders, and security forces.

Additionally, the Council resolved to work closely with security agencies and other relevant bodies to prevent similar incidents in the future and to uphold communal harmony and national unity.

Furthermore, a report from the Kantipur daily, referencing a confidential document submitted to the government by the Armed Police Force (APF) three years ago, revealed warnings of organized attempts to incite religious and ethnic divisions across the Tarai region. The report called for urgent political and administrative action, but officials noted that its findings were largely overlooked by the country's leadership.