3 killed in Nepal communal violence, curfews imposed in multiple districts

Communal violence that erupted in Nepal's Sunsari district has spread to several other parts of the country. Authorities have imposed curfews across multiple cities and deployed the army to restore order. At least three people have been killed and dozens injured in four days of violence.

The violence, which began earlier this week in Sunsari's Devanganj area following clashes between two communities, has now reached parts of Madhesh Province, including Dhanusha and Siraha districts. At least three people have died in the unrest, while dozens of others -- including civilians, protesters and security personnel -- have been injured, many of them in police firing and clashes.

The unrest has triggered widespread arson, vandalism, stone-pelting and confrontations between protesters and security forces. Several vehicles, shops and other private properties have been damaged. In response, authorities tightened restrictions in sensitive areas as efforts continued to prevent the violence from spreading further.

VIOLENCE SPREADS BEYOND SUNSARI

Violence first broke out in Sunsari district. The tensions gradually spread to neighbouring districts, prompting local administrations to impose emergency restrictions. Authorities have enforced curfews in several areas, including Inaruwa, Janakpur, Siraha, Golbazaar and Lahan, while additional restrictions have been introduced in Dhanusha and other vulnerable locations.

In Dhanusha district, curfew orders cover Laxminia Hatbazaar, Belauni Road, Nagarain Municipality, Dudhmati Bridge and parts of Janakpur. In neighbouring Siraha, authorities imposed similar restrictions in the Golbazaar area along the East-West Highway as a precaution against further violence.

Police, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Army personnel have been deployed in large numbers across sensitive locations. Local reports said helicopters have also been used to monitor the security situation from the air.

The continuing unrest has disrupted normal life across the affected districts. Markets have remained shut, public transport has been affected and educational institutions have suspended operations in several areas.

The violence has claimed at least three lives so far.

Among those killed were 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta and 22-year-old Jay Prakash Mehta, who were shot during police action after clashes between two communities in Kaptanganj New Haat Bazaar in Devanganj Rural Municipality. Jay Prakash Mehta later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

LOCAL BODY DECLARES VICTIMS 'MARTYRS'

In a significant move, Devanganj Rural Municipality has declared Om Prakash Mehta and Jay Prakash Mehta as "martyrs" at the local level and resolved to recommend that the Nepal government grant them official martyr status. The municipality has also approved financial assistance of one million Nepalese rupees for each bereaved family.

In addition, those left permanently disabled or severely injured due to gunshot wounds will receive 200,000 Nepalese rupees each, while people who sustained moderate or minor disabilities will receive compensation of 50,000 Nepalese rupees.

The local administration has further decided to seek compensation from the government for residents whose homes, businesses and other private properties were damaged during the unrest.

GOVERNMENT DEPLOYS MINISTERS, REVIEWS SECURITY

As the crisis deepened, Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened a meeting of Nepal's Security Council to assess the situation, with particular focus on the violence in Sunsari and the spread of tensions to other districts.

The Prime Minister directed Home Minister Sudan Gurung to visit the affected areas. Gurung, accompanied by Health Minister Nisha Mehta, is scheduled to travel to Devanganj to meet the families of those killed and review the security situation on the ground.

This comes as the government faces growing pressure over its handling of the unrest. Opposition leaders and local residents have questioned whether authorities acted quickly enough to contain the violence before it spread beyond Sunsari.

FORMER KING URGES NATIONAL UNITY

Former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah also expressed concern over the growing communal tensions. In a statement issued on Thursday, Gyanendra said Nepal had long been home to people of different ethnicities, languages and religions who had lived together in harmony since the country's founding. He added that Nepal's multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-religious identity, along with its tradition of respecting all faiths and cultures, had earned the country global recognition and should be preserved.

Calling the violence "a matter of concern", the former monarch said such incidents were contrary to Nepal's values, traditions and social fabric. He urged people across the country to maintain communal harmony and brotherhood, saying, "This is our appeal, and this is the greatest need of the hour".

Government officials have said those responsible for instigating the clashes are being identified and will face legal action.

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