Nepal has tightened security and imposed curfews in several districts after violence erupted in Sunsari district of Koshi Province, leaving one person dead and 24 others injured. The unrest began after Muslims attacked the Hindu Kanwar Yatra over DJ music, prompting authorities to extend restrictions and increase security across sensitive areas.
Dispute over DJ music turned violent
According to the District Police Office, Sunsari, the incident took place around 10:15 pm on Sunday, 26th July in Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Kaptainganj. Police said Police said a group of Hindu youths carrying a DJ sound system while heading to offer water to the Koshi River entered a predominantly Muslim locality.
The little argument soon escalated into a clash between members of the two communities, with both sides throwing stones and attacking each other. As the situation worsened, teams from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force intervened, and police fired several rounds to disperse the crowd.
One killed, several injured
The violence claimed the life of 30-year-old Om Prakash Mehta of Dewanganj-3. Senior Superintendent of Police Yogendra Singh Thapa, spokesperson for the Koshi Province Police Office in Biratnagar, said 24 people, including security personnel, were injured. Those injured include 10 Nepal Police personnel, five Armed Police Force personnel, and nine civilians. They are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Biratnagar and Sunsari.
Inspector Rakesh Rai of the Area Police Office, Dewanganj, also suffered head injuries and required five stitches while trying to control the violence.
Curfew extended, security increased
Following the clash, Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire imposed a curfew in Harinagara, Bhutaha, Kaptainganj, Ghuski, and Dewanganj from 7 am on Monday. The administration later extended the curfew to 10 areas, including parts of the East-West Highway, where movement, public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations remain prohibited until further notice. Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane said the security situation is gradually improving.
As a precaution, curfews have also been imposed in Dhanusa and Siraha districts of Madhesh Province. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called a meeting of the National Security Council to review the situation, while lawmakers Basna Thapa and Oren Rai raised concerns in Parliament over rising tensions in the southern districts, especially Sunsari, an important trade corridor along the Bihar border. Authorities have deployed 211 security personnel in the affected areas to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
