Violence Erupts in Nepal's Sunsari District, One Dead and Many Injured

Clash in Sunsari District

A violent incident occurred in the Sunsari district of Nepal, which borders India, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, including among security forces, on Monday. In response to the unrest, local authorities have enforced indefinite restrictions in certain areas starting Monday.

The conflict began on Sunday night in the Kaptangunj region of Devgunj rural municipality, where two religious groups, each hosting separate events, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags, as reported by police. A verbal dispute escalated into violence, necessitating intervention from security personnel.

During attempts to control the situation, security forces discharged their weapons, leading to the death of 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta. The clashes resulted in injuries to over a dozen individuals, including members of the security forces.

As part of the prohibitory measures, gatherings exceeding four individuals, protests, public meetings, and sit-ins have been prohibited in the affected regions. The District Administration Office in Sunsari announced that these restrictions took effect at 7:00 am and encompass five market areas within the district, situated in the Koshi province. The measures will remain until further notice.

Violators of these prohibitory orders may face fines of NPR 500, imprisonment for up to one month, or both. According to reports from local media, police faced significant stone-throwing from both factions, resulting in injuries to eight officers, including Inspector Rakesh Rai from the Dewanganj Area Police Office, who required five stitches for a head injury, while the other injuries were deemed minor.

Sunsari, located in southeastern Nepal, shares a border with Bihar and serves as a vital transit and commercial route between the two nations.