Janakpur: The local administrations in various districts of Nepal in the Southern plains have started easing the curfew, as an attempt to ease life after nearly a week following the tension that started from Dewangunj and Kaptangunj in Sunsari district.
Harmony rallies have also been organised in parts of the districts in the Southern plains as a gesture of unity.
On Saturday, curfew was lifted, and prohibitory orders were issued in 10 local levels of Sunsari and the Janakpur area of Dhanusha, while curfew has also been lifted in Lahan in Siraha. The Golbazar area in Siraha, which saw a bloody day this week, is still kept under curfew.
The Sunsari administration has lifted the curfew in designated areas of Itahari, Ramdhuni, Inaruwa, Duhabi, Bhokraha Narsingh, Koshi, Gadhi, Dewanganj, Harinagar and Barju from 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and imposed prohibitory orders till 5 p.m. (local time).
Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal of Sunsari said, "Although the curfew has been lifted after reviewing the security situation, gatherings of more than five people, processions, demonstrations, meetings and sit-ins of people have been prohibited."
A similar provision has been imposed in the provincial capital of Madhesh Pradesh which has been reeling under the violence since nearly a week. "Gatherings of more than five people, processions and demonstrations have been banned in Laxminiya, Nagarain, Belauni Road, Sinurjoda, Sohni, Manimandap, ISKCON Janakpur, Dudhamati Bridge and other areas until further orders," Chief District Officer of Dhanusha Prem Prasad Luintel told ANI over the phone.
Meanwhile, curfew has also been lifted in Siraha, Lahan area from 10 a.m. on Saturday. According to Chief District Officer Surendra Poudel, "The curfew in Lahan was lifted after analyzing the latest security situation. However, the curfew in Golbajar has been maintained even though the situation is returning to normal."
The administration has stated that further decisions will be taken after discussing the situation there. The administration had imposed curfew and prohibitory orders after protests and tension increased in various districts of the eastern Terai following the incident in Kaptanganj, Sunsari.
Stating that the situation is gradually returning to normal, the administration has urged the public to follow the prohibitory orders to maintain peace, security and communal harmony.
Violators have also been warned that action will be taken against them as per the prevailing law.
Authorities engage in dialogue with communities to settle tense situation in Southern plains of Nepal
Local authorities have engaged in dialogue with the communities to settle the tense situation in the districts along the Southern plains of Nepal following the eruption of communal violence, which started on Sunday.
In Janakpur, the provincial capital of the Madhesh Province, an all-party meeting was held on Friday to resolve the ongoing tension that has spilt across the districts and is spreading further.
"Nepal has long been a country defined by harmony, where people of all castes and religions have lived together. However, due to the actions of certain extremist organisations, regardless of the sect they belong to, Nepal is now facing a situation of fragmentation. The resulting disruption to peace and order will not only harm Nepal but also impact neighbouring countries. You must understand that this fire does not affect just one country or region; it affects everyone," Mohammad Asgar Ali, a local from Janakpurdham, told ANI.
Curfew orders have remained in effect in various parts of Dhanusha and Siraha following the protest. According to the District Administration Offices of the two districts, essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, air services, gas supply, petroleum transportation and sales, ambulance services, fire engines, hearse vehicles, and the supply of water and milk will continue to operate during the curfew.
Healthcare workers, government employees, journalists, Nepal Red Cross personnel, pilgrims, patients and passengers travelling to airports will be allowed to move during the curfew upon producing a valid identity card issued by the concerned authority or a flight ticket.
"A rift has currently emerged between two communities in Nepal, and the country is facing a crisis. I therefore make a humble appeal to everyone. We are formulating long-term plans. The spirit of brotherhood here has endured for centuries, and we are holding talks with all parties to foster harmony and preserve this bond. A 'harmony rally' is likely to be held at 8 a.m., and this issue will be resolved," Manoj Kumar Shah, Mayor of Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, told ANI.
The unrest in Sunsari originated late Sunday night in Ward 3 of Dewanganj Rural Municipality. A dispute reportedly erupted between local groups over loud DJ music during preparations for the Bol Bam pilgrimage to the Saptakoshi River.
The confrontation quickly escalated into stone pelting and violence, prompting police to intervene with batons, tear gas, warning shots, and eventually live fire from the Armed Police Force. One person died on the spot from gunshot injuries, while others were critically wounded. Jayprakash Mehta, one of the injured, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, taking the toll to three.
Addressing the nation for the first time since assuming office last March, Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the formation of an investigation committee, promising a fair, transparent probe into the events. Shah assured the public that the inquiry would be impartial and that "whoever is responsible for the incident" would face justice under the law.
