Authorities in Nepal have imposed curfew orders across three districts bordering India after violent clashes between two communities escalated into widespread unrest, leaving one person dead and several others injured. The violence, which began earlier this week in eastern Nepal, has now spread across parts of Madhesh Province, prompting a heavy security response as officials struggle to restore order.
According to local authorities, curfew restrictions have been enforced in the districts of Janakpur, Siraha and Saptari, all of which lie close to the India-Nepal border. The restrictions were introduced after protests turned violent, leading to property damage, arson and confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel.
The deceased has been identified as 19-year-old Ganesh Yadav, a resident of Siraha district. He reportedly died during the violence, while several other people sustained serious injuries in police firing. Eyewitnesses said a number of protesters were also seen lying injured on roads during the clashes as emergency services rushed to the affected areas.
The unrest traces its origins to Kaptanganj in Dewanganj Rural Municipality of Sunsari district, where tensions between two groups erupted on Sunday night. What initially appeared to be a localised conflict has since spread to multiple districts in Madhesh Province, raising concerns about deteriorating law and order in the region.
As demonstrations intensified, groups of protesters gathered in several towns, leading to clashes with police and incidents of vandalism. In Golbazar, Siraha, protesters set fire to 11 motorcycles parked in a public area, causing significant property damage. The incident prompted district authorities to immediately impose a curfew in Golbazar and adjoining localities in an effort to prevent further violence.
Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers across sensitive areas, with police conducting patrols and restricting public movement to prevent fresh confrontations. Officials have appealed to residents to remain indoors and avoid gathering in public places until the situation stabilises.
Tensions have also escalated in Janakpur, the capital of Madhesh Province, where authorities fear the violence could spread further if immediate action is not taken. The District Administration Office imposed a curfew beginning at 3:30 pm local time on Thursday, covering the entire Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City along with Laxminiya Rural Municipality and Nagarain Municipality.
The curfew order was issued by Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luitel, who said the restrictions were necessary to maintain public safety and prevent further incidents of violence. Essential services remain operational, but movement of residents has been significantly restricted under the emergency measures.
Meanwhile, unrest has continued to spread beyond Sunsari district into Saptari, Siraha and Janakpur, indicating that the conflict has expanded well beyond its original location. Authorities are closely monitoring developments as security forces attempt to prevent the situation from escalating further.
In Lahan, another town in Siraha district, members of the two communities staged separate demonstrations that heightened tensions throughout the day. As crowds grew larger and confrontations intensified, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and several warning shots into the air to disperse protesters and regain control of the situation.
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Officials said the use of force was intended to prevent further violence and protect lives and property, though reports indicated that several demonstrators sustained injuries during the police action. The exact number of injured has not yet been officially confirmed.
The Nepal government has appealed for calm and urged community leaders to work together to restore peace. Administrative officials are holding consultations with local representatives and security agencies to assess the situation and prevent the unrest from spreading to other districts.
The violence has also raised concerns because the affected districts share a border with India, making stability in the region particularly important. Authorities remain on high alert, and additional security personnel have been deployed in vulnerable areas as investigations continue into the incidents that triggered the clashes.
With curfews in place and security operations continuing, officials hope the restrictions will help contain the violence and create conditions for dialogue between the communities. However, the situation remains tense, and authorities are monitoring developments closely to prevent any further loss of life or damage to property.
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