Nepal: PM Shah Promises Justice as Sunsari Curfew Remains

Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah promised justice, compensation and legal action after violence in Sunsari killed one man and injured 22 people, as large parts of the district remained under curfew Wednesday.

Southern Sunsari was relatively calm Wednesday following clashes and unrest that continued through Tuesday night, according to OnlineKhabar.

No additional violence was reported Wednesday. Security forces maintained a heavy presence and dispersed two groups that gathered at separate locations.

The curfew continued to prohibit gatherings and processions. Sunsari District Police spokesperson Deputy Superintendent Chandra Bahadur Khadka said conditions were gradually improving but had not fully returned to normal.

Shah Promises Investigation and Justice

Shah expressed sorrow over the violence in a statement posted on his official Facebook page and urged residents to reject anger, retaliation and actions that could further damage relations between communities.

He said the government would provide justice and compensation to affected families as soon as possible and take legal action against those responsible.

Shah acknowledged that the government had responded from the beginning but said its efforts were insufficient. He said the death and injuries caused by security-force gunfire could not be treated as normal under any circumstances.

An investigation had begun, Shah said. He promised that authorities would review the full sequence of events and take serious steps to prevent similar violence.

The prime minister appealed for calm while the investigation and legal process continue. He asked residents to avoid provocation, fear, anger and thoughts of revenge while preserving mutual respect and social harmony.

Shah said protecting human life was everyone’s first duty. The government’s primary responsibility, he added, was to protect citizens, punish those responsible and secure justice and compensation for victims.

Prime Minister Briefed by Security Chiefs

Shah also received a detailed briefing on conditions in Sunsari, including the latest security challenges and possible risks, OnlineKhabar reported, citing his secretariat.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung attended as Shah met separately with Nepal Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force Inspector General Narayan Dutta Poudel.

Shah directed security agencies to bring the situation under control, protect lives and property, and closely monitor anyone attempting to disrupt social harmony, according to the report.

He also instructed the Home Ministry to keep both security agencies on high alert and make no compromise in maintaining peace and security.

Clash Began During Procession Preparations

The violence began around 10 p.m. Sunday in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality–3, during preparations for the annual Bolbam religious procession.

Police told Kantipur that Hindu devotees were traveling from the Koshi Barrage with water and playing loud DJ music when members of another community objected. The confrontation began with an argument, turned into pushing and then became violent.

OnlineKhabar previously reported that an unresolved disagreement over removing a flag placed for a Muharram observance had already created tension between the communities.

Police said officers used tear gas, baton charges and warning shots before firing live ammunition. They said members of the crowd attacked security personnel with stones, bamboo poles, sticks, spears and firewood.

Om Prakash Mehta was shot in the abdomen and died while being taken to a hospital. The Kathmandu Post identified him as 30, while OnlineKhabar reports identified him as 24 or 25.

OnlineKhabar reported nine injured civilians. Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post reported that 13 security personnel — eight Nepal Police officers and five Armed Police Force members — were also injured, bringing the reported total to 22.

Curfew and Investigation

Fresh demonstrations and violence erupted Monday and Tuesday in Dewanganj, Inaruwa, Bhokraha Narsingh and the Koshi river embankment area.

Nepal News reported that protesters blocked roads and burned tires while people vandalized, looted or burned businesses. Police also reported another clash, stone-throwing, vandalism and fires in Dewanganj market Tuesday evening.

The curfew covered highway areas in Itahari and Ramdhuni and broader areas in Inaruwa, Duhabi, Bhokraha Narsingh, Koshi, Gadhi, Dewanganj, Harinagar and Barju. People cannot travel, gather or demonstrate in designated areas until officials lift the order.

Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army deployed across the district. The army conducted ground and aerial patrols Wednesday, while police used drones to monitor Kaptanganj.

A five-member Home Ministry committee led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa began its inquiry by meeting injured people at two Biratnagar hospitals. The committee reached the scene Wednesday and met local representatives.

Officials gave the committee one week to complete its report.

The government transferred Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire, Koshi Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire and Sunsari Police Chief Keshav Kumar Thebe after protesters demanded action over the authorities’ handling of the violence.

Protests Reach Neighboring Districts

Protesters closed Rajbiraj and Hanumannagar markets in neighboring Saptari on Wednesday. They obstructed the Postal Highway at Diman and briefly blocked the East-West Highway at Simara Chowk.

The protesters demanded an impartial investigation, free treatment and compensation for victims, and action against those responsible.

Sarlahi authorities prohibited DJ systems throughout the district after a protest in Malangwa. Siraha’s administration warned against misleading information, rumors and expressions intended to create religious or communal hostility.

Koshi Province announced Rs 200,000 for Mehta’s family. It also offered Rs 50,000 each to injured people and families whose homes, businesses or other property were damaged by fire.

Provincial political leaders agreed on eight steps to restore calm. The plan called for local talks, joint appeals from religious groups, community harmony programs and greater security attention along the border.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav called for peaceful negotiations and urged the public to avoid violence, misinformation and hateful social-media content.