KATHMANDU, APRIL 13
The District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa, has extended the curfew imposed in Birgunj Metropolitan City and its surrounding areas until midnight today to maintain law and order in the district.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Ganesh Aryal informed that the curfew, which was initially scheduled to end at 12 noon, has been extended till 12 AM tonight.
The curfew was first enforced from 6:30 PM on Saturday following a clash during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Chapkaiya Chowk. It was issued under Section 6 (Ka) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS, and prohibits all movement, gatherings, assemblies, protests, and sit-ins in the affected areas.
Tensions reportedly flared on Saturday afternoon during the Shobha Yatra, held to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. Participants of the religious procession alleged that they were pelted with stones, while others claimed that some members of the rally behaved in a provocative manner, sparking the confrontation.
During the incident, several people, including police personnel and civilians, sustained injuries. In response, security has been tightened across Birgunj, with a significant deployment of security personnel aimed at preventing further unrest. Authorities have urged all residents to stay indoors and cooperate during the curfew.
In a bid to ease tensions and restore normalcy, an all-party meeting was held on Sunday. Representatives from various political parties attended the meeting chaired by CDO Aryal.
The meeting issued a joint appeal to all sides to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could disturb law and order. Local organisations and communities were urged not to organise rallies or shutdowns.
CDO Aryal called on all religious and community groups to work together toward building an equitable society by fostering unity in diversity, social harmony, tolerance, and cultural solidarity, reflecting Nepal's multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural identity.
The meeting also expressed best wishes for the speedy recovery of injured security personnel, journalists, and civilians, and called on the State to ensure necessary medical treatment for all the injured.
Janardan Singh Chhetri, President of Nepali Congress Parsa, also appealed to the public to uphold social harmony and support ongoing efforts to restore peace.
