Communal Tensions Escalate in Nepal Amid Extended Curfews; Lawmakers and Former King Call for Unity
Communal tensions, which initially erupted in Dewanganj of Sunsari district, have now spread across several districts in Madhesh Province. Following the death of one person, the unrest has persisted for several days. According to DSP Chandra Khadka, the spokesperson for Sunsari District Police, another injured individual died during treatment on Thursday. Along with Sunsari, similar communal tensions have been reported in Siraha and Dhanusha districts in Madhesh Province. Curfew has been imposed in various local levels and marketplaces across these districts. Assistant Chief District Officer Chetaraj Baral confirmed that a person was shot and killed in Golbazar of Siraha. This brings the total number of fatalities from gunfire to three.
Curfews are currently in effect in Siraha and Dhanusha districts. There were protests in Saptari on Wednesday. According to Madhuri Mahto, a correspondent based in Birgunj, the situation in Janakpurdham, Dhanusha, has become increasingly tense since early Thursday morning due to escalating demonstrations. Protesters have set tires ablaze and blocked main roads at various locations, disrupting markets, businesses, and vehicular movement. Clashes between police and demonstrators prompted the District Administration Office in Dhanusha to impose an indefinite curfew in sensitive areas of Janakpurdham to prevent potential unrest. The Chief District Officer of Siraha has also announced a curfew. The curfew restricts all types of movement, gatherings, processions, protests, assemblies, and sit-ins within the designated areas.
The local administration has urged the general public to “stay indoors except for essential services, refrain from believing rumors, and cooperate with security agencies.” Security measures have also been heightened in other districts including Bara and Parsa. The District Administration Office in Parsa has imposed a curfew in sensitive zones of Birgunj Metropolitan City. Per the order of Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal and decisions of the District Security Committee, the curfew was implemented from 5 PM on Thursday, July 29 (Saun 14) until 6 AM on Friday, July 30 (Saun 15).
As tensions rise, various political parties, social figures, and organizations have called for restraint. Former King Gyanendra Shah expressed concern upon hearing news of the unrest affecting daily life. He stated, “Nepal, a country where all communities have coexisted, facing such undesirable incidents is worrying. Therefore, regardless of the region we reside in, we must all Nepalis move forward together; this is our objective and a necessity of the present day.”
In Parliament, opposition parties voiced grave concerns over the incidents and criticized the government. They demanded accountability from the Prime Minister and Home Minister, who have remained silent, calling for them to provide explanations in Parliament. Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa remarked, “What kind of situation is this, where citizens are shot and killed? The government must answer Parliament regarding this and take full responsibility.” Communist Party leader Gopal Sharma questioned the role of the government and Prime Minister in these incidents. He added, “The Prime Minister should have come to Parliament to inform the nation. But ironically, nobody knows where our Prime Minister is or what he is doing—neither the Parliament nor the public.”