Dhanusha all-party meeting along with stakeholders has begun at the District Administration Office as authorities seek to ease tensions and maintain social harmony following the recent unrest in Sunsari.
Dhanusha all-party meeting has brought together members of Parliament, senior security officials, representatives of political parties, religious leaders and civil society figures. Representatives from Hindu and Muslim communities are also participating in the discussions as authorities seek a peaceful way to prevent further escalation.
The meeting was arranged after tensions linked to the Sunsari incident began spreading to parts of Madhesh Province. Dhanusha authorities have been working to bring the situation under control through dialogue and coordination among political, religious, administrative and community leaders. Earlier, Dhanusha Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luintel said discussions would focus on making the situation normal and maintaining social harmony. Authorities were also considering organizing a peace rally depending on the outcome of the meeting.
Curfew and restrictions in Dhanusha
The District Administration Office had imposed an indefinite curfew in Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City as well as parts of Narain and Laxminiya rural municipalities after tensions intensified. The restrictions were introduced following protests and growing security concerns connected to the Sunsari incident.
The situation has also affected daily activities in Dhanusha. Private schools and colleges across the district announced the suspension of classes on July 31, citing concerns about student safety and difficulties in movement amid the tense environment. The organizations representing private educational institutions also called for an impartial investigation into the violence and legal action against those responsible.
Dhanusha All-Party Meeting Begins Amid Sunsari Unrest
The latest unrest began in Dewanganj Rural Municipality of Sunsari following a dispute between two groups. According to Reuters, the initial clash involved tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups and was reportedly triggered by a dispute over loud music and religious flags during a Hindu event.
At least two people were killed in Sunsari during the initial violence, while a third death was reported in neighbouring Siraha as sporadic clashes continued. Reuters reported that 25 people were injured in the initial clash. Authorities subsequently imposed curfews in several areas to prevent further disturbances.
The violence and resulting tensions have since spread beyond Sunsari. The Kathmandu Post reported that parts of Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha and Parsa have experienced protests, curfews and increased security deployment. Three people have died during the wider unrest, according to the report.
CDO office Dhanusha
Government steps up investigation
The Nepal government has also intensified efforts to investigate the Sunsari incident. The Home Ministry expanded the investigation committee by adding Police Inspector Dipesh Awasthi and Superintendent of Police Mohan Singh Dhami, with responsibilities related to ballistic and forensic examination. The committee was instructed to submit its report as soon as possible.
The Home Ministry has also been coordinating with district administrations in sensitive districts, including Dhanusha, Siraha and Saptari, to maintain peace, public order and social harmony. Officials have said dialogue and coordination are being used to address the situation.
Prime Minister appeals for calm
Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the nation as tensions continued to spread and appealed for calm and restraint. He said the government would conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the violence and ensure that those responsible faced action through a transparent process.
The government has also provided relief to the families of people killed in the Sunsari violence. Home Minister Sudan Gurung met the families of two victims and announced financial assistance, according to Reuters.
Focus now on dialogue and social harmony
Against this backdrop, the Dhanusha all-party meeting is being viewed as an important attempt to prevent further escalation and restore confidence among local communities.
The participation of elected representatives, security authorities, political parties, religious leaders and civil society members is intended to create a common platform for dialogue. Maintaining religious harmony, preventing misinformation and inflammatory activities, and ensuring public safety will remain important challenges for local authorities as the situation develops.
Authorities and community leaders are expected to continue coordination in the coming days to ensure that tensions do not lead to further violence in Dhanusha or neighbouring districts.
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