Tensions Rise in Nepal: Curfew Extended in Sunsari After Deadly Clashes

Curfew Continues in Sunsari Amid Ongoing Tensions

Kathmandu: The curfew in Nepal's Sunsari district, which borders India, has been extended for a second day due to ongoing tensions following violent clashes that resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries.

The District Administration Office (DAO) in Sunsari announced that the curfew and prohibitory measures would be enforced from 7 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday across various locations.

As per the DAO's notice, restrictions are in place throughout the Harinagar and Devgunj rural municipalities, with curfew specifically affecting five market areas: Harinagar, Bhutaha, Kaptangunj, Ghuski, and Devangunj.

The administration has banned rallies, public meetings, demonstrations, sit-ins, and gatherings exceeding four individuals in the impacted regions.

Curfew restrictions were temporarily lifted along the East-West Highway in Sunsari from 7 AM to 3 PM to allow for traveler movement, but were reinstated at 3 PM.

These measures were first implemented on Monday following violent incidents that erupted on Sunday in the Kaptangunj area.

According to police reports, one individual was killed and over a dozen, including law enforcement officers, sustained injuries when police fired to disperse conflicting groups after a dispute arose during celebrations by two religious communities.

Two of the injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition.

The clashes began when members of the two religious groups, who were conducting separate events, argued over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags.

What started as a verbal disagreement escalated into violence, necessitating intervention from security forces.

In response to the situation, Chief District Officer Ishowari Prasad Aryal held a meeting with political party representatives and local stakeholders to assess the security landscape and discuss strategies to alleviate tensions.

Acting Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane noted that protests have persisted in various areas of the district despite the prohibitory orders from local authorities.

"We are engaging in discussions with representatives from different political parties and civil society to ensure peace and restore normalcy in the district," he stated.

Additionally, the District Administration Office in the neighboring Morang district has banned the use of DJs at religious, cultural, and social events due to the sensitive circumstances following the violence in Sunsari.

Sunsari, situated in southeastern Nepal along the border with Bihar, India, serves as a crucial transit and commercial route between the two nations.