"Nepal On Edge: Indefinite Curfew In Sunsari, Birgunj And Other Towns After Communal Clashes Leave 3 Dead"

"Army Patrolling Streets As Nepal Imposes Curfew In Several Cities Amid Sectarian Violence"

THE REPORT

KATHMANDU:Violence has spread across Nepal, prompting authorities to impose curfew in several cities and extend it to 4 more districts as the army remains on high alert to maintain law and order.The unrest, triggered by communal clashes and recent protests, has left multiple people dead and dozens injured in the past few days.

Curfew Extended To More Areas:

Authorities have indefinitely extended curfew in Sunsari district, which borders India, after communal violence left 1 person dead and more than 22 injured. The curfew, first imposed on Monday, now covers 10 areas including the East-West Highway. 552b2012

In Birgunj Metropolitan City, Parsa district, an indefinite curfew was imposed in four key areas after a clash between two youth groups on Sunday evening. The restricted zones include Bypass Road in the east, Sirsia River in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south. Several towns in southeastern Nepal also remained under curfew on Friday after days of sectarian violence that erupted on Sunday. 

Casualties And Reason Behind Violence:

The violence in Sunsari erupted after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities escalated into clashes. Police opened fire to disperse the groups, resulting in 1 death and 22 injuries, including 13 security personnel.In Diwanganj, Sunsari, 25 people were injured in a late night clash between Hindus and Muslims triggered by a dispute over loud music and religious flags. Two men were shot and killed in Sunsari on Sunday and a third death was reported in neighbouring Siraha district on Thursday. 

Army On High Alert, Security Tightened:

The Nepal Army has imposed restrictive orders and is patrolling streets across the country to curb possible incidents of looting, arson and vandalism "under the guise of agitation". In Kathmandu Valley, curfew orders are in place in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts with specific time windows for essential movement. The army has warned that any form of demonstrations, vandalism, arson, or attacks will be treated as criminal acts. 

Government Response:

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed grief and appealed for calm. He convened a National Security Council meeting on Thursday to review the security situation, especially in Sunsari. The government has announced NRs 2,00,000 compensation to the family of the person killed and NRs 50,000 for the injured. An investigation panel has been formed and tasked to submit its report within a week. India has also tightened security along the 1,751-km border with Nepal amid the unrest.

#zncard #nepal #Curfew #NepalViolence #Sunsari #Birgunj #Army #SouthAsia