Sunsari Remains Tense as All Four Security Agencies Deployed; Curfew Continues Amid Violence

 

Kathmandu/Biratnagar, July 28 — The security situation in Sunsari district remains tense after a young man was killed in police firing during clashes between two groups in Dewanganj Rural Municipality. Despite the deployment of a joint security force comprising the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF), and the National Investigation Department, authorities have yet to fully restore normalcy.

Following the incident, the government reshuffled key security officials, citing lapses in intelligence gathering and security management. Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire, Koshi Province Police Chief DIG Binod Ghimire, Sunsari Police Chief SP Keshav Kumar Thebe, and several other security officials were relieved of their responsibilities. Ishwari Prasad Aryal has been appointed as the new Chief District Officer, while DIG Shekhar Khanal has assumed command of the provincial police.

The violence began on Sunday night in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj-3, after a dispute between two groups over loud DJ music during a Bolbam religious procession. Police opened fire while attempting to control the situation, killing 25-year-old Om Prakash Mehta and injuring nine others. The death triggered widespread protests across the district.

Although the local administration imposed a curfew in five southern market areas, protesters defied the restrictions, leading to incidents of arson, vandalism, looting, and attacks on security personnel. Several shops in the Koshi embankment area were looted and set on fire, while four houses were burned in Dewanganj. A number of civilians also sustained injuries, including some who were attacked with sharp weapons.

Fresh clashes erupted on Tuesday in Inaruwa, Harinagar, Bhokraha Narsingh, and Dewanganj as rival groups confronted each other. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, while demonstrators damaged police vehicles and assaulted security personnel, injuring at least one police assistant sub-inspector.

To strengthen security, the Nepal Army has increased patrols in sensitive areas and conducted aerial surveillance over affected settlements. The Ministry of Home Affairs also held meetings of the Central Security Committee and directed all security agencies to coordinate efforts to restore law and order as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal visited the family of the deceased, Om Prakash Mehta, and assured them that the incident would be investigated impartially, those responsible would be held accountable, and appropriate relief would be provided.

An all-party meeting held in Dewanganj called on the government to declare the deceased a martyr, ensure free treatment for the injured, provide compensation to affected families, and conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the incident.

A high-level investigation committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs has already begun its work. The team has recorded statements from the injured and eyewitnesses and is preparing to conduct a detailed field investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any failures in security management.

Authorities say joint security operations will continue until peace is fully restored. However, as of Tuesday evening, tensions remain high in the affected areas, and the curfew is still in effect.