Kathmandu, July 27: A communal clash in Nepal’s southeastern Sunsari district, which shares a border with India’s Bihar, claimed one life and left several others, including security personnel, injured, prompting the local administration to impose indefinite prohibitory orders in sensitive areas from Monday.
The District Administration Office (DAO), Sunsari, announced that the restrictions came into effect at 7:00 am and apply to five key market areas in the district. Officials said the orders will remain in force until further notice to prevent any further escalation of tensions.
Under the prohibitory measures, public gatherings of more than four people have been banned. Demonstrations, rallies, public meetings and sit-in protests are also prohibited in the affected locations as security forces maintain a heightened presence.
Dispute Escalated Into Violence
According to police, the violence broke out on Sunday night in the Kaptangunj area of Devgunj Rural Municipality, where members of two religious communities were conducting separate events.
The confrontation reportedly began over disagreements related to the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags. What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into a violent clash, forcing security personnel to intervene to restore order.
During the operation to disperse the crowd and control the situation, security forces opened fire. The incident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta, officials confirmed.
Several Injured, Security Tightened
Police said that more than a dozen people, including members of the security forces, sustained injuries during the unrest. The injured were provided medical treatment, while authorities launched efforts to prevent the violence from spreading to nearby localities.
Additional police and security personnel have been deployed across the district, particularly in the affected market areas, to maintain law and order and reassure residents.
Administration Warns Against Violations
The district administration warned that strict action would be taken against anyone violating the prohibitory orders. Under Nepal’s prevailing laws, offenders may face a fine of NPR 500, imprisonment for up to one month, or both.
Officials appealed to residents to maintain peace and cooperate with security agencies while the situation remains under close watch.
Strategic Border District
Sunsari, located in Nepal’s Koshi Province, is an important commercial and transit district due to its proximity to the India-Nepal border. The region serves as a key route for trade and the movement of people between Nepal and the Indian state of Bihar.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, while investigations are underway to determine the circumstances that led to the communal violence. Security agencies have urged citizens not to spread rumours or misinformation that could further inflame tensions.