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Communal violence that began in Nepal's Sunsari spread across several other districts, triggering curfews and heavy security deployment. The unrest has left three dead so far and injured dozens, including policemen.
Members of the Armed Police Force chase demonstrators during a protest following a clash between two communities in Siraha, Nepal. (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 31, 2026 13:20 IST
Three people have so far died as communal tension that began in the Sunsari district of Nepal has spread to several other regions, prompting authorities to continue curfew orders. Beyond Sunsari, the curfew remains in place in Siraha, Parsa, Saptari and Dhanusha districts as well. Security forces remain on high alert across sensitive areas, with the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army deployed in large numbers.
Authorities said the restrictions would remain in place until law and order is fully restored.
Security forces have been directed to prioritise crowd-control steps, including tear gas and baton charges, while maintaining dialogue with community leaders, local representatives and other stakeholders, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The unrest has led to injuries and damage to property too, as incidents of vandalism, arson, looting and clashes were reported from several locations. Local administrations have appealed to residents to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely essential, cooperate with security agencies, avoid rumours and not share misleading content on social media.
The violence first broke out in Sunsari on July 26, when 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta was shot dead during a confrontation between two communities. Later, Jaya Prakash Mehta, 20, who had been critically injured in the same violence, died while undergoing treatment. The latest death was of a 17-year-old in Siraha, who died after being shot during clashes on Thursday afternoon.
Security sources said 22 police personnel, including two Deputy Superintendents of Police, are among the injured persons.
The situation in Siraha deteriorated rapidly after protesters blocked the East-West Highway at Kasaha early on Thursday before the unrest spread to Golbazar. Protesters vandalised and set fire to several shops, including the AB Mall, before security forces moved in. Residents said another group carrying homemade weapons and travelling on around two dozen motorcycles and several auto-rickshaws reached the town around midday, further escalating tensions.
As rival groups gathered on opposite sides of the town, security forces used baton charges and fired 21 rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. The district administration imposed a curfew from 2 pm and the Nepali Army was deployed. Officials said protesters again advanced towards the highway around 3:30 pm despite the restrictions, after which security personnel opened fire. More than a dozen businesses were later torched or vandalised.
Police also fired warning shots and used tear gas in Lahan after another confrontation threatened to erupt between two communities. Siraha Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel said the administration would review the security situation before deciding whether to expand the restrictions and said authorities were coordinating with political parties and community representatives to prevent further violence.
In Janakpur, protesters shut markets and clashed repeatedly with police before the administration imposed an indefinite curfew from 3:30 pm on Thursday. Earlier in the day, large groups of protesters moved through the city, forcing businesses to close, and clashes broke out at Ramananda Chowk and Bajrang Chowk. The Nepali Army deployed armoured vehicles, helicopters and foot patrols across Janakpur to control the protesters.
In Sunsari, the curfew covering ten local units, first enforced on Tuesday night, remained in effect for a third consecutive day. Officials said the security situation had gradually improved, but the restrictions could not be lifted because negotiations with the families of those killed had not produced an agreement. Om Prakash Mehta's body remained in hospital as his family continued to refuse to collect it, demanding that he be declared a martyr, given adequate compensation and assured that those responsible for the shooting would be prosecuted before they performed his funeral rites.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on Thursday evening that the government would carry out an impartial investigation into the violence and take all necessary measures to restore peace.
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Published On:
Jul 31, 2026 13:20 IST
