Army Deployed in Sunsari's Dewanganj as Violence Escalates; Government Forms Probe Committee

 


Biratnagar, July 27 — The Nepal Army has been deployed in Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Kaptanganj, in Sunsari district after protesters defied a curfew order and engaged in arson and vandalism, prompting the government to launch a high-level investigation into the incident.

According to local authorities, the security situation deteriorated on Monday morning when protesters ignored the curfew, took to the streets, burned tires, and continued demonstrations. Despite the deployment of large contingents of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel, the growing crowd proved difficult to control, leading authorities to call in the Nepal Army.

Armored vehicles and heavily armed army personnel were dispatched to the area, helping security forces gradually restore order. Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire said the army's deployment became necessary after the situation went beyond the control of the police.

Before the army arrived, protesters vandalized and set fire to five shops, including a pharmacy, a motorcycle repair garage, and three grocery stores. Goods from the shops were dragged onto the streets and burned, police said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a five-member investigation committee to examine the incident. The committee, led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa, has been instructed to submit its findings within one week.

The panel includes representatives from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Ministry of Energy, while the Assistant Chief District Officer will serve as the member secretary.

The unrest began late Sunday night after clashes between two groups in Kaptanganj. Police opened fire while attempting to bring the situation under control, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to 22 others. Several security personnel were also injured during the confrontation.

Although curfew orders remain in effect in several parts of Sunsari, demonstrations by supporters of the deceased and the injured have continued. The East-West Highway has also been blocked, and fresh clashes between protesters and security forces were reported at several locations on Monday.

The government has pledged a fair and impartial investigation into the incident while urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumors.

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