Communal violence that began in Nepal's Sunsari district has spread to several other parts of the country, prompting authorities to impose curfews in multiple cities and deploy the army to restore order. At least three people have been killed and dozens injured during four days of unrest.
The violence, which erupted earlier this week in the Devanganj area of Sunsari following clashes between two communities, has now spread to parts of Madhesh Province, including Dhanusha and Siraha districts. The unrest has claimed at least three lives, while dozens of civilians, protesters and security personnel have been injured, many during police firing and violent confrontations.
The disturbances have led to widespread arson, vandalism, stone-pelting and clashes between protesters and security forces. Several vehicles, shops and private properties have been damaged. In response, authorities have tightened security measures in sensitive areas to prevent the violence from escalating further.
VIOLENCE SPREADS BEYOND SUNSARI
The unrest initially broke out in Sunsari before gradually spreading to neighbouring districts, prompting local administrations to introduce emergency restrictions. Curfews have been imposed in several locations, including Inaruwa, Janakpur, Siraha, Golbazaar and Lahan, while additional restrictions have been enforced in Dhanusha and other vulnerable areas.
In Dhanusha district, curfew orders cover Laxminia Hatbazaar, Belauni Road, Nagarain Municipality, Dudhmati Bridge and parts of Janakpur. Similar restrictions have also been imposed in the Golbazaar area of neighbouring Siraha district along the East-West Highway as a precaution against further violence.
Large contingents of Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Army have been deployed across sensitive areas. Local reports also said helicopters were being used to monitor the security situation from the air.
The continuing unrest has severely disrupted daily life in the affected districts. Markets have remained closed, public transport services have been affected and educational institutions have suspended classes in several locations.
Among those killed were 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta and 22-year-old Jay Prakash Mehta, who were shot during police action following clashes between two communities in Kaptanganj New Haat Bazaar in Devanganj Rural Municipality. Jay Prakash Mehta later died while undergoing treatment.
LOCAL BODY DECLARES VICTIMS 'MARTYRS'
Devanganj Rural Municipality has declared Om Prakash Mehta and Jay Prakash Mehta as "martyrs" at the local level and resolved to recommend that the Nepal government grant them official martyr status.
The municipality has also approved financial assistance of one million Nepalese rupees for each of the bereaved families.
In addition, people who have been permanently disabled or seriously injured by gunshot wounds will receive compensation of 200,000 Nepalese rupees each, while those who sustained moderate or minor injuries resulting in disability will receive 50,000 Nepalese rupees.
The local administration has also decided to seek government compensation for residents whose homes, businesses and other private properties were damaged during the violence.
PM APPEALS FOR PEACE AND UNITY
As the situation worsened, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah appealed for calm and urged citizens to maintain peace.
In a message delivered in Maithili, Shah called on people to preserve communal harmony, brotherhood and national unity. He urged citizens to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions and sought public cooperation in restoring normalcy.
The Prime Minister also convened a meeting of Nepal's National Security Council to review the situation, particularly the violence in Sunsari and its spread to other districts.
He directed Home Minister Sudan Gurung to visit the affected areas. Gurung, accompanied by Health Minister Nisha Mehta, is scheduled to travel to Devanganj to meet the families of those killed and assess the security situation on the ground.
The government has come under increasing criticism over its handling of the unrest, with opposition leaders and local residents questioning whether authorities acted swiftly enough to prevent the violence from spreading beyond Sunsari.
FORMER KING CALLS FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY
Former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah also expressed concern over the escalating communal tensions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gyanendra said Nepal has long been a country where people of different ethnicities, languages and religions have lived together peacefully. He added that the nation's multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-religious identity, along with its tradition of respecting all faiths and cultures, has earned international recognition and must be protected.
Describing the violence as "a matter of concern", the former monarch said such incidents were inconsistent with Nepal's values, traditions and social fabric. He urged people across the country to uphold communal harmony and brotherhood, saying, "This is our appeal, and this is the greatest need of the hour."
Government officials said those responsible for inciting the violence are being identified and will face legal action.
