Security concerns continue to grow in Nepal following communal violence at the India-Nepal border, which led to the killing of one individual and left
several others injured. Nepalese authorities on Thursday imposed a curfew in parts of Madhesh province. The curfew was imposed in Dhanusa and Siraha districts of Madhesh province. Various parts of Dhanusa, including Laxminia Hatbazaar, Belauni Road, Nagarain Municipality, Dudhmati bridge and Janakpur have been placed under curfew from 3:30 pm for an indefinite period as a precautionary measure due to tensions, said Assistant Chief District Officer of Dhanusha Bhudev Jha. The curfew in Sunsari district, which was first imposed on Monday, was extended indefinitely on Wednesday. Similarly, a curfew has been imposed in Golbazaar area of East-West Highway in Siraha district from 2 pm, according to a notice issued by the District Administrative Office, Siraha. Under the curfew, the movement of people, gatherings, demonstrations, public meetings and sit-ins have been prohibited. Security has been stepped up in various sensitive areas and government offices. One person was killed and more than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured when police opened fire to disperse clashing groups after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities in the Kaptangunj area on Sunday. Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane on Thursday said the security situation in Sunsari district is gradually improving. The district administration has extended the curfew to ten areas, including the East-West Highway, to control the situation. It will remain in force until further notice. Prime Minister Balendra Shah called a meeting of the National Security Council to review the security situation in the country, especially in Sunsari district. Sunsari, situated in southeastern Nepal along the border with India's Bihar, is a crucial transit and commercial corridor between the two countries. (With PTI inputs)
