The District Administration Office in Rautahat, Nepal, has instituted an indefinite curfew in the Gaur Municipality in response to communal clashes that erupted as the country prepares for general elections next week. The curfew was imposed on February 22 and was briefly lifted for two hours on Sunday morning, though it remains enforced since 8:30 AM on that day. A notice issued by the local administration reaffirms the continuation of the curfew.

Restrictions on Gatherings and Mobilization of Security Forces

Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal emphasized that all forms of gatherings, rallies, meetings, and processions are strictly forbidden under the curfew. He stated that the decision was made to prevent further escalation of tensions in the area. Security personnel have been deployed to manage the situation effectively. “The curfew will be in force until further notice, with authorities closely monitoring developments,” Bhusal noted.

Details of the Restricted Area

The restricted area as per the administration’s notice spans from Mudbalwa Gate in the east to Lalbakaiya Dam in the west, extending north to Bam Canal and south to the boundary of the Gaur Customs Office. This geographical restriction aims to contain the unrest following a confrontation that took place in Ward 6 of Sabgadh in Gaur, contributing to heightened tensions in the municipality.

Background of the Clashes

The curfew was a response to confrontations that began during a wedding procession in Sabgadh when an argument erupted between members of two communities, leading to stone-throwing incidents. In the course of these clashes, a vehicle was set ablaze, worsening the situation. Although a six-point agreement was reached between the involved parties on the evening of February 21, violence re-erupted on February 22 with stone-pelting commencing around 9 AM, further aggravating the unrest.

Increased Police Presence to Restore Order

The local authorities have mobilized dozens of personnel from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force to restore order and maintain security in the affected areas. There have been appeals from the authorities urging the public to exercise restraint amidst the ongoing tension. Reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries during the clash.

Context of Upcoming General Elections

The upcoming general elections, scheduled for March 5, will see voters electing 275 members to Nepal’s House of Representatives. These elections mark a significant moment as they will be the first following the protests in 2022, which resulted in the downfall of the coalition government led by K P Sharma Oli. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took office as Nepal’s interim prime minister in September, providing a transitional leadership in anticipation of these elections.

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