Communal Tension in Sunsari: What Is Behind the Recurring Incidents in Terai Districts?
On Sunday night in Kaptanganj, located in Dewanganj Rural Municipality of Sunsari, tension erupted between two religious communities. During efforts to control the clashes, police reported at least one fatality and several injuries. Following the incident, the local administration imposed an indefinite curfew to maintain peace and security. Despite the curfew, protests have continued according to reports. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to investigate the incident.
The Chief District Officer of Sunsari has declared an indefinite curfew under the Local Administration Act, 2028, starting from 7:00 AM until further notice. The directive prohibits public movement and gatherings such as congregations, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, or blockades in several areas of Sunsari. As the situation remains tense, police and Nepalese Army personnel have been deployed to patrol the area.
Analysts note that these are not isolated incidents. Similar communal tensions have been observed recently in districts like Parsa, Rautahat, and Dhanusha. In Sunsari’s case, tension reportedly began when one group preparing for the Bolbam pilgrimage hoisted flags on an electricity pole near another community and played loud ‘DJ’ music. Assistant Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Poshan Lamichhane, stated, “Both the flags and the loud DJ were triggers for the unrest.”
Experts explain that such incidents have become increasingly frequent across various parts of the Terai-Madhesh region. Chandrakishore commented on the rising sense of demonstration among different religious communities in recent days. He said, “There are tendencies in both communities to organize mass rallies and exhibit aggression, sometimes with weapons.”
Analyst Gupta argues that factors like illiteracy and poverty contribute to the escalation of such conflicts. He also criticized administrative shortcomings, noting, “In cases like those in Parsa and Rautahat, although unpleasant events occur, both communities eventually negotiate to restore brotherhood after the fact.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Kafle stated that the government is sensitive to the issue and has set up an investigation committee. Gupta further suggested that religious communities themselves can play a vital role in preventing recurrence by promoting peaceful conduct internally. He remarked, “Hindus can encourage fellow Hindus, and Muslims their own community, to organize programs in a peaceful manner.”