Why Did Nepal Close Parts of Its Border With India?
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Nepal India Border Curfew: Nepal imposes curfew in Sunsari after communal violence near the India border leaves one dead, several injured, and tensions unresolved.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 28: Rallies, demonstrations, public meetings, sit-ins and the assembly of more than four persons at a time are currently prohibited in several parts of Nepal bordering India. On Sunday, communal tension broke out between two religious communities over the use of loudspeakers, escalating into violence. Police personnel were prompted into action and opened fire to disperse the crowd, making the situation even more volatile. One person was killed in the police firing, while many others were injured.
According to the District Administration Office (DAO), Sunsari, curfew and prohibitory orders will remain in effect from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Tuesday in several areas. The DAO issued a notice announcing restrictions across the entire Harinagar and Devgunj rural municipalities, while curfew is in force in five market areas of Harinagar, Bhutaha, Kaptangunj, Ghuski and Devangunj.
Brief Pause on Curfew
Curfew was lifted along the East-West Highway passing through Sunsari district from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm to facilitate the movement of travellers. It was reimposed at 3:00 pm.
What and Where It Happened
The restrictions in the district were first imposed on Monday after communal violence erupted on Sunday in the Kaptangunj area.
One person was killed and more than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured when police opened fire to disperse clashing groups after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities, police said.
Two of the injured remain in a serious condition, according to police.
The violence broke out after members of two religious communities, who were holding separate programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags.
A verbal altercation escalated into violence, prompting security personnel to intervene.
Situation Being Monitored
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Ishowari Prasad Aryal convened a meeting of representatives of political parties and local stakeholders to review the security situation and explore measures to ease tensions.
Acting Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane said demonstrations have continued in various parts of the district despite the prohibitory orders imposed by the local administration.
"We are holding discussions with representatives of various political parties and civil society members to maintain peace and restore normalcy in the district," he said.
The District Administration Office in neighbouring Morang has prohibited the use of DJs at religious, cultural and social functions across the district in view of the sensitive situation
following the violence in Sunsari.
Sunsari, located in southeastern Nepal along the border with India's Bihar, is an important transit and commercial corridor between the two countries.
(With Inputs from news agency PTI).
