Image source, BBC/BIKRAM NIRAULA
Following the outbreak of communal tension, curfews have been imposed in various parts of Sunsari since Sunday night, continuing through Tuesday.
In Dewanganj, where clashes began, local residents attempted to hold protests, though District Chief Officer Ishwar Prasad Aryal reported to the BBC that the situation has improved compared to Monday.
According to him, curfews have been lifted along the highway area, but remain in effect elsewhere. The local administration has enforced curfew from 7 AM to 7 PM in areas including Harinagar, Bhutaha, Kaptanganj, Ghuskhi, and Dewanganj bazaars, while a complete prohibition order is active throughout Harinagar and Dewanganj rural municipalities.
After the curfew was imposed, reports emerged from Biratnagar correspondent Bikram Niraula about protests involving burning tires on roads in Laukhi, Pakali, and Inaruwa along the East-West Highway.
Security teams, including the Nepali Army, are patrolling the streets in the Kaptanganj area of Dewanganj rural municipality.
Even during curfews on Monday, demonstrations prompted deployment of the army for patrols.
The tension began on Sunday when a clash broke out between youths of two religious communities after one side played a loud ‘DJ’ and placed religious flags on electric poles. Police control efforts included firing, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
The government has formed an investigation committee for the incident. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also recalled the then District Chief Officer Vasudev Ghimire and several security officials from Sunsari.
Challenges Amplified by Social Media
Image source, Jugesh Babu
The newly appointed District Chief Officer, Ishwar Prasad Aryal, who arrived in Sunsari on Monday, said efforts are underway to restore peace through dialogue with all parties.
“Since my arrival, I have been communicating by phone with local MPs, political leaders, and local government chiefs, and have called for collective discussions,” Aryal stated.
However, some residents of Kaptanganj consider the administration’s initiatives insufficient.
Deputy Chairperson of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Kumari Bibha Yadav, explained that they are attempting to maintain peace by working with leaders from both sides, but have not succeeded yet.
Kaptanganj is a ward number 3 area of Dewanganj Rural Municipality.
“The youths do not want to listen. There is fear everywhere here. Even ambulances cannot operate smoothly,” said Vice Chair Yadav. “The presence of local administration seems insufficient. The usual army patrols alone are not enough.”
“Civic leaders from both communities need to counsel their own people. Otherwise, how can peace be ensured?” she added.
Local residents report incidents of assaults and property damage persisting despite curfews. Furthermore, inflammatory and alarming content is circulating widely on social media.
Elias Mansuri, a teacher in Kaptanganj, expressed hope for an improvement in the region’s situation. “Due to fear, people are not going outside,” he said.
District Chief Officer Aryal mentioned that provocative content posted on social media is intensifying challenges.
“Even the political representatives have occasionally posted such material without due consideration, which escalates tensions within communities. This is currently one of the biggest challenges,” he explained.
Investigation Team Arrives in Sunsari
Image source, MOHA
The committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the incident arrived in Sunsari late on Monday night.
The committee was established under the leadership of Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa following discussions among the Home Minister, Home Secretary, and heads of security agencies.
“They arrived late at night and have already started their work,” said Information Officer Rama Acharya Subedi. “They have been given seven days to complete the investigation.”
The team will conduct site inspections, record eyewitness statements, and compile a report based on collected evidence.
Some critics have raised concerns over excessive use of force by the police during the incident.
According to the National Human Rights Commission, Om Prakash Mehta died after being shot by police, and nine others were injured, two of whom are in critical condition.
The commission has also begun a detailed investigation from a human rights perspective.
“Although this is not a separate committee like the Gen J movement, our staff are monitoring the situation from the Biratnagar office,” said commission spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel on Tuesday. “This monitoring will also be part of the investigation.”
The commission had issued a statement on Monday suggesting dialogue as a means to ease the situation.
How the Incident Unfolded
The tension reportedly began on Monday when one community preparing for the Bolbam procession placed flags on electricity poles near another community and played loud music (‘DJ’) at high volume.
Local officials reported that near the Muslim settlement in Kaptanganj, there is a Shiva temple at the market entrance.
This location became the site of clashes, escalating tensions which then prompted police intervention.
Similar communal incidents have previously occurred in districts such as Parsa, Rautahat, and Dhanusha.
