New Delhi: An indefinite curfew has been extended in Nepal’s Sunsari District following deadly communal violence that claimed one life and left 22 people injured, prompting the government to tighten security and launch an investigation into the incident.
The unrest erupted earlier this week during a religious procession when a dispute over the use of loud music and religious flags escalated into clashes between two communities. As the situation worsened, police intervened and opened fire to disperse the crowd.
According to police, one person was killed in the firing, while 22 others sustained injuries, including 13 members of the security forces. Sunsari, located in southeastern Nepal along the border with the Indian state of Bihar, is an important commercial and transit corridor between the two neighbouring countries.
Balendra Shah expressed grief over the violence and appealed for peace while assuring that the government would take all necessary steps to restore normalcy. Authorities have increased security across sensitive areas of the district and ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the clashes.
The Nepal government has announced compensation of NRs 200,000 for the family of the deceased, while those injured will receive NRs 50,000 each to help cover medical expenses. It also pledged strict legal action against those found responsible for the violence.
The police response has come under scrutiny, with human rights groups and security experts raising concerns over the alleged use of excessive force during efforts to control the unrest. In response, the government has constituted an investigation panel, which has been directed to submit its findings within a week.
Amid mounting public pressure, the government has also transferred several senior officials, including the district’s chief district officer, the Koshi Province police chief and the Sunsari police chief. Protesters had demanded accountability from both the civil administration and police leadership over their handling of the violence.
