Curfews imposed across southern districts as violence spreads from Sunsari; authorities pledge impartial probe.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has appealed for national unity and restraint after communal clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in the country’s southern plains left three people dead and triggered widespread curfews near the Indian border.
In a rare televised address on Thursday, Shah-who has maintained a low public profile since taking office in March-urged citizens, political parties, religious leaders, civil society and the media to exercise patience and help “remove the clouds of unrest.” He stressed that no religion teaches violence or division and that the government would conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the violence while holding those responsible accountable.
“I, on behalf of the government, sincerely appeal to the citizens, civil society, religious communities, all respected leaders, all political parties and responsible media, to exercise patience and restraint and maintain peace, harmony, brotherhood and national unity,” Shah said.
Religious Clashes Trigger Curfews Across Nepal:
The unrest began late on Sunday in Kaptanganj, in Dewanganj rural municipality of Sunsari district in Koshi Province, only a few kilometres from the Indian border with Bihar. According to officials, members of the two communities clashed during separate events. The flashpoint involved loud music played during a Hindu Bolbam pilgrimage procession-in which devotees carry holy water to Shiva temples-and the display or replacement of religious flags.
A verbal dispute escalated into stone-pelting and wider violence. Security forces intervened and opened fire to disperse the crowd, killing at least two men, identified in reports as Om Prakash Mehta, 24, and later Jay Prakash Mehta. Dozens of people, including police personnel, were injured. A third person died on Thursday during related protests in nearby Siraha district of Madhesh Province, even as a curfew was in place.
Authorities responded by imposing indefinite curfews and prohibitory orders across parts of Sunsari and expanding them to neighbouring districts including Siraha, Dhanusha and areas of Madhesh Province. Markets closed, transport was disrupted and educational institutions suspended classes in affected zones. Security forces, including the army in some areas, were deployed to restore order and protect public property.
Police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle said forces remained on high alert and were working to prevent further conflict while using minimal force. Local administrations reported arson, vandalism of shops and government offices, and clashes between protesters and security personnel as tensions spread.
Nepal Urges Calm as Curfews Continue After Clashes:
Sunsari and the surrounding Terai districts form a diverse, densely populated belt with mixed Hindu and Muslim communities and close social and economic ties across the open Nepal-India border. Residents frequently cross for trade, family visits and work. Similar disputes over religious processions, loudspeakers, flags and perceived territorial marking have flared in the past, though large-scale deadly violence has been relatively rare.
Critics have questioned the speed of the political response, noting that the prime minister’s first major public intervention came several days after the initial clashes. Home Minister Sudan Gurung later visited affected areas, and the National Security Council convened to assess the situation. President Ram Chandra Paudel also called on political parties and the public to uphold social harmony and tolerance.
Political parties across the spectrum and interfaith groups issued statements urging restraint and dialogue. Local bodies in the affected municipality declared two of the deceased “martyrs” and sought compensation and official recognition for the families.
Shah emphasised the constitutional right of every citizen to practise their religion and culture, and said the state is committed to protecting lives, property and public order. He warned against the spread of rumours, hate speech and inflammatory content on social media, and said action would be taken against those attempting to disrupt peace.
As of Friday, curfews remained in force in multiple districts while security forces worked to stabilise the situation. Markets and daily life stayed disrupted in the worst-hit areas. Whether the prime minister’s appeal and the promised investigation will succeed in calming tensions in the sensitive border region will depend on rapid, transparent action and sustained efforts to rebuild trust between communities that have long lived side by side.