ITAHARI, July 27: The Nepali Army (NA) personnel have been deployed in Kaptangunj village in Sunsari on Monday after protesters defied a curfew imposed following the death of a youth in police firing during a clash between two religious groups in Dewanganj Rural Municipality.
Ignoring the curfew, demonstrators took to the streets in Kaptanganj and Laukahi along the East-West Highway, burning tires, vandalizing shops and clashing with security personnel. Authorities initially deployed additional Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) personnel before calling in the army personnel as the unrest escalated.
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Twenty-five-year-old Om Prakash Mehta of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-4 was killed in Sunday's violence, while at least 21 others, including security personnel, were injured. Two civilians are reported to be in critical condition.
The violence stemmed from a dispute over loud music played during a Hindu religious procession in Nayahat, where tensions had been simmering for days following disagreements over flags put up during a Muharram fair. The confrontation escalated after the vehicle carrying the DJ system was vandalized, prompting police to fire tear gas, warning shots and eventually live rounds.
Meanwhile, demonstrations also spread to the district headquarters, Inaruwa, where protesters damaged a police beat in the market area.
Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire said the curfew remains in force, banning movement and public gatherings in the affected areas. An all-party meeting has been convened at the District Administration Office in Inaruwa to discuss measures to restore peace.
According to police, eight civilians, eight Nepal Police personnel and five APF personnel were injured in the violence and are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Biratnagar.
