RAUTAHAT, FEBRUARY 22
An all-party meeting convened at the District Administration Office Rautahat has reached a five-point agreement aimed at restoring peace in Sabgadha of Gaur Municipality-6, where communal tensions have persisted for the past two days.
The meeting, chaired by Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, decided to intensify dialogue and jointly appeal for calm following incidents that disrupted social harmony in the area.
The unrest began on Thursday night around 9:45 pm over a dispute related to music played during a wedding procession. The situation escalated on Falgun 8, leading to clashes between two communities. Although security forces initially brought the situation under control and facilitated a six-point understanding to maintain peace, further incidents of vandalism and arson targeting private houses, public property, temples, mosques and vehicles were reported within hours.
In response, the local administration imposed a curfew from 1:00 pm on Saturday. While the restriction was relaxed for two hours on Sunday morning, authorities reinstated the curfew from 9:00 am, stating that the situation required continued precautionary measures.
According to the agreement reached at the meeting, stakeholders will issue a joint public appeal expressing regret over the incident and urging residents to maintain a peaceful environment. The District Security Committee will accelerate formal and informal discussions involving respected local representatives from both sides to resolve the dispute.
The meeting also decided to assist security agencies in taking action against individuals spreading misleading information on social media and to tighten surveillance against elements attempting to disturb religious and social harmony. Those found guilty will face legal action.
A goodwill rally led by civil society is scheduled to be organised in Sabgadha at 7:30 am on Monday to promote harmony across the district.
The administration has urged residents not to heed rumours and to rely only on verified information, appealing to all communities to exercise restraint and help maintain peace.
The meeting was attended by Gaur Mayor Shambhu Sah, Rajpur Mayor Dr Rajik Alam, Paroha Mayor Sheikh Wakil, Superintendent of Police Sitaram Rijal, Armed Police Force SP Ramhari Adhikari, Nepali Army Colonel Bishwas Bista, National Investigation Department Deputy Director Kumar Budhathoki, civil society representatives and local leaders from both Muslim and Hindu communities.