look news india
The situation remains extremely sensitive after the sudden communal tension in Sunsari district of Nepal’s Koshi province, bordering the Indian state of Bihar. The dispute that started between two communities in Kaptanganj area of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3 of the district soon turned into a violent clash. Security forces had to take action to control the situation and disperse the crowd, in which a 24-year-old youth died after being shot, while more than a dozen people, including policemen, were injured. There is tension in the entire area after the incident and the administration has imposed indefinite curfew in five major market areas of the district as a precautionary measure.
Controversy started over loudspeakers and religious flags
According to the information received, the violence started from Kaptanganj market area of Dewanganj-3. Late on Sunday night, people from two different religious groups were participating in their respective programs. On one side, DJ and loudspeakers were being used at loud volume during the pilgrimage procession, on which the other side objected. Apart from this, an altercation also started over the removal and installation of religious flags on the electric poles in the area. The dispute, which started with a minor argument, soon turned into stone pelting, arson and vandalism. The angry mob damaged several shops, vehicles and properties, leading to chaos.
Youth killed, dozens injured in police action
The police and Armed Police Force (APF) who reached the spot to control the miscreants first released tear gas shells and fired in the air as a warning. However, when the situation started worsening, the security forces had to open direct fire. During this time, 24 year old Om Prakash Mehta, resident of Kaptanganj, was shot and died. During this violent clash and police action, more than 10 security personnel including the police station incharge (inspector) and many local people were injured, who have been admitted to the nearby hospital for treatment.
Strict restrictions are in force in these 5 major areas
In view of the tense situation, District Administration Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal issued an order for prohibitory order and indefinite curfew under Section 6(a). Currently these restrictions are in effect in the following areas of Sunsari:
-
Haringara Market
-
gluttonous market
-
Kaptanganj Market
-
Ghuski Bazaar
-
Dewanganj Market
Under the curfew, there is a complete ban on gathering of 4 or more people at one place, organizing any kind of rally, procession, protest or public meeting. Apart from this, the use of DJ and loudspeaker in religious, social and cultural events has been banned. After the violence in Sunsari, DJ sound systems have been banned in the neighboring district Morang as a precautionary measure.
Reaction of political parties and demand for impartial investigation
Efforts to restore peace are ongoing at the administrative level. The District Officer has appealed to create harmony by holding a meeting with representatives of political parties and members of civil society. At the same time, President of Nepal’s ruling Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Ravi Lamichhane has expressed grief over this entire incident and has demanded an impartial high-level investigation into the matter. He said that strict legal action should be taken against the culprits of the incident, appropriate compensation should be given to the relatives of the deceased and free treatment of all the injured should be ensured. Patrolling by security forces has been increased in the areas adjacent to the India-Nepal border to prevent any kind of rumor or untoward incident.