Tension gripped Rautahat district, a volatile area along Nepal’s southeastern border with India, as local authorities imposed a curfew in parts of Gaur town on Saturday. The move came after violent clashes between two groups sparked fears of escalating unrest.
The District Administration Office (DAO) issued a notice prohibiting movement, gatherings, rallies, and protests in a specified zone from 1 PM Saturday until further notice. The restricted area stretches from Mudbalwa Gate in the east to Lalbakaiya Dam in the west, Bam Canal in the north, and Gaur Customs Office in the south.
Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts with a history of political and religious violence, has long been a hotspot for such incidents. Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal revealed to reporters that the latest flare-up began Thursday evening during a wedding procession. Revelers playing loud music clashed with members of a particular religious community objecting to the noise.
‘What started as an argument over stopping the music quickly turned into stone-throwing from both sides,’ Bhusal explained. Despite a fragile peace agreement struck Friday evening, tensions reignited Saturday morning when unidentified individuals set a vehicle ablaze, prompting authorities to enforce the curfew as a precaution.
Heavy deployments of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have flooded sensitive areas to restore order. Security remains tight, with officials urging citizens to exercise restraint. ‘Since the curfew was imposed, the situation is under control,’ Bhusal assured.
With Nepal’s general elections looming on March 5, administrators worry that opportunistic elements might exploit the unrest for political gain. ‘We are closely monitoring any suspicious activities,’ the CDO added, emphasizing vigilance in the lead-up to the polls.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining communal harmony in border regions, where poverty and historical grievances often fuel divisions. Authorities hope the heavy security presence will prevent further escalation and ensure a peaceful electoral process.