Security stepped up in affected areas; administration urges restraint and harmony
RAUTAHAT, FEBRUARY 21
The District Administration Office Rautahat has imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of Gaur Municipality from 1:00 pm on Saturday following escalating tensions between two local communities.
The curfew order was issued by Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal in accordance with the decision of the District Security Committee. The administration invoked Section 6 (Ka) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS to enforce the restrictions.
According to the reports, the situation began in Ward No. 6, Sapgada village of Gaur Municipality, after a dispute arose during the passage of a wedding procession through the area. Though the matter was initially settled through mutual understanding, tensions resurfaced from Saturday morning, leading to disturbances in several parts of the district headquarters.
Sources said some vehicles and religious structures sustained damage during the unrest. However, authorities have not provided detailed figures regarding the extent of the losses. Security personnel have since been deployed in significant numbers across sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.
The restricted zone covers the area from Mudbalwa Gate in the east to the Lalbakaiya embankment in the west, from Bam Canal in the north to the Gaur Customs Office in the south. Within this perimeter, all forms of movement have been prohibited. The administration has also banned gatherings, meetings, rallies, processions and demonstrations until further notice.
The District Administration Office has stated that the curfew was imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and refrain from activities that could disturb communal harmony.
Officials warned that anyone defying the curfew order will face legal action in accordance with prevailing laws. The restrictions will remain in place until a subsequent notice is issued by the administration.
