Government Reaches Agreement with Families of Deceased Amid Communal Tensions in Sunsari, Situation Across Various Regions Monitored
Photo Source, Nepal Photo Library
Following talks in Sunsari, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has reached an agreement with the families of two youths who died in the Dewanganj incidents. Officials anticipate a gradual reduction in communal tensions and violent situations across various locations in the Koshi and Madhesh provinces.
By Friday noon, slogans and processions were reported in some areas of Sunsari, Dhanusha, and Siraha districts. However, authorities have described the situation as largely peaceful compared to earlier unrest. Curfews remain in place in affected areas.
Five days after the violent events, Home Minister Gurung arrived in Dewanganj on Thursday night and reached an agreement on behalf of the government with the families of the deceased. He is also scheduled to visit Siraha on Friday, where a shooting incident on Thursday resulted in one fatality.
The agreement between Home Minister Gurung and the families addresses issues ranging from relief to investigation.
The government has committed to immediately initiate the process of declaring the deceased as martyrs and provide each family with relief assistance amounting to NPR 1 million.
The agreement also includes provisions for a fair and effective investigation into the night of Saun 10 (Nepali calendar), when the incident occurred, and promises necessary action against those found responsible. An immediate inquiry into the legal status of the madrasa in Dewanganj-3 and associated matters has also been pledged.
The memorandum of understanding bears the signatures of the victims’ guardians and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung.
“Our country has not experienced religious conflict so far,” Home Minister Gurung told reporters after the agreement, “We see an essential need to resolve this issue at its roots.”
Madhesh Province’s 11 examination centers have postponed the MBS and MA-level exams scheduled for Friday, and several schools remain closed in some locations.
Following the agreement with the Home Minister, the families of Omprakash Mehta and Jayprakash Mehta, who died in the Dewanganj incident, are reportedly preparing for the final rites.
Here, we assess the current state of areas that had shown tensions up to Thursday.
What Is Happening in Dewanganj Where Two Lost Their Lives?
Photo Source, Sudan Gurung/Facebook
Local residents report that Dewanganj remained comparatively calm on Friday. Police are conducting public announcements urging people to remain peaceful.
Following the agreement with the Home Minister, the victims’ families are preparing for the final funeral rites, said Kumari Bibha Yadav, deputy chairperson of Dewanganj Rural Municipality.
“Some youth remain dissatisfied with the government agreement, yet they are not staging protests on the streets,” she added.
Sunsari’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Pushparaj Mall, noted a reduction in tensions following the Home Minister’s engagement.
“The final funeral of the deceased will take place during the day. We are providing administrative support,” he said.
Basir Miya from Kaptanganj, a livestock trader, confirmed some calming of the situation. “Yet, I remain fearful. I have not left my home for five days,” he stated.
Other Areas in Sunsari District
Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane reported minor demonstrations near highway areas on Friday in Sunsari.
“The situation is gradually improving,” he said.
The curfew imposed on affected areas since Monday remains in place.
The Nepal Army is deployed in Aina, supported by police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Mall.
The unrest that began in Dewanganj-3 ward, Kaptanganj rural municipality, near the Indian border, is not confined solely to that area.
A team led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa from the Home Ministry is currently conducting investigations on-site following Sunday’s incident.
“We have nearly completed the preliminary investigation and are preparing to return to Kathmandu to compile the report,” Thapa said.
Siraha and Dhanusha
Photo Source, Manilal Bishwokarma
Curfews are currently enforced across various local levels and marketplaces in Siraha and Dhanusha districts.
The tension that began rising in Sunsari since Monday had spread to Siraha and Dhanusha by Thursday, prompting local administration to order curfews in affected areas upon the commencement of protests.
One person was fatally shot in Siraha’s Golbazar on Thursday.
According to Siraha Chief District Officer Surendra Paudyal, reinforcements from Hetauda and Rajbiraj have been deployed to Siraha considering the district’s security situation.
“Compared to Thursday, the situation is calmer. Small demonstrations continue within curfew limits,” he said, “The likelihood of escalation now appears low.”
“The Home Minister is scheduled to visit Siraha on Friday, and we are confident that dialogue with him will be productive.”
Preliminary reports indicate some demonstrations in Dhanusha’s Nagraine Municipality on Friday morning, according to Assistant Chief District Officer Bhudev Jha.
“No other significant disturbances have been observed. The District Security Committee will convene to decide on further actions.”
In Janakpur, curfew measures were briefly eased to facilitate the daily lives of residents.
Saptari, Sarlahi, Parsa, and Bara
Photo Source, Vishwanath Thakur
Curfew has been ordered in Saptari from 8 a.m. on Friday.
Saptari Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa announced that the curfew will remain effective until further notice.
Protests have been ongoing since Friday morning in various areas including Malangwa in Sarlahi.
The situation in Parsa remained peaceful until Friday noon, despite heightened tensions on Thursday night.
“The district is currently calm and the curfew has been lifted,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Pawan Bhattarai.
Parsa administration had issued a curfew until 6 a.m. on Friday.
Bara is reported to be in a stable and peaceful condition at present.