Nepal eases curbs in Madhesh and Koshi after deadly communal violence

Nepal has relaxed curbs in parts of Madhesh and Koshi after deadly communal clashes. Peace rallies and a 13-point deal aim to restore communal harmony and prevent fresh protests.

In Short

• Clashes over loudspeakers and religious flags sparked unrest on July 26
• Violence spread across border districts, killing three people in Sunsari and Siraha
• Curfews were lifted in Saptari and Dhanusha as tensions eased

Nepalese authorities on Sunday relaxed curbs in parts of Madhesh and Koshi provinces after the security situation improved, days after communal violence in the region left three people dead. The violence began after clashes in Sunsari district, which borders India in Koshi Province, and led to curfews, prohibitory orders and stronger security deployment.

The unrest started on July 26 after members of two communities, who were holding separate programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags. The violence then spread to nearby areas, with authorities saying two people were killed in Sunsari district and one in Siraha district.

In Saptari district, the curfew has been removed and only prohibitory orders remain in force in two areas, including Rajbiraj Municipality, assistant chief district officer Naresh Kumar Yadav said, citing the improved security situation. In Dhanusha, curfew orders were withdrawn from Saturday, while prohibitory orders were imposed in a few places after the situation improved. In Parsa district, prohibitory orders are now in force only at night.

According to a notice issued by the district administration office in Parsa, public meetings and the assembly of more than four people from 5 pm to 6 am are not allowed in parts of Birgunj Metropolitan City. In Siraha, a notice from the district administration office said curfew has been removed in some places and relaxed in others.

Peace rallies have meanwhile been organised in different parts of Madhesh Province to maintain religious harmony, unity and brotherhood among communities. In a related development, a 13-point agreement was reached on Sunday in Janakpurdham, Dhanusha, between the government and a religious group at the initiative of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung to maintain harmony, unity and end the group's proposed protest programme. Overall, authorities have eased restrictions in several affected districts as the situation has begun to improve.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends