Curfew Continues in Rautahat Following Communal Clashes; 20 Detained

Rautahat. The curfew order imposed by the District Administration Office in Rautahat since yesterday continues today due to the tension arising from the communal clash in Sabagadh, Gaur Municipality-6. According to the notice issued by the administration, although the curfew was slightly relaxed from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM today, it has been stated that the previous curfew remains in effect.

Security has also been tightened at the India-Nepal border following the incident. Barriers have been erected at the border area, completely halting vehicular movement. A provision has been implemented requiring an Aadhar card to enter Nepal from India and a Nepali citizenship certificate to enter Nepal from India.

In the district headquarters Gaur, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are heavily deployed in various locations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The Rautahat administration has detained 20 people, including Janmat Party District In-charge Sheikh Jamsaid, on allegations of playing a role in spreading communalism. Jamsaid was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon on charges of spreading unrest in society and disturbing religious harmony during the election period. The administration stated that he would be released only after the riots subside.

Police Spokesperson DSP Vishnu Pradip Basnyal informed that following the order of CDO Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, a joint team of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force took Jamsaid into custody and presented him at the District Administration Office, Gaur.

According to Spokesperson Basnyal, Jamsaid is currently undergoing necessary questioning, and a detailed investigation is underway based on the available evidence regarding the extent of his involvement in the incident. Jamsaid, who is also the former ward chairman of Sabagadh village, is the district chairman of the Janmat Party.

In this context, Ward Chairman Abadh Bihari Sah of Gaur Municipality-6 has also been taken into police custody. Ward Chairman Sah was detained on allegations of exacerbating the communal tension that started in Sabagadh instead of calming it down.

Following the incident on Thursday night and the unrest from Friday morning until afternoon, a 6-point agreement was reached between the two communities under the administration's supervision on Friday afternoon. However, contrary to the agreement, the situation became volatile again after audio clips aimed at creating tension between both sides were released systematically from Saturday morning.

The situation became more tense after the clash on Saturday. Approximately 500 security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force were mobilized to bring the situation under control. Security mobilization was led by Rautahat Police Chief SP Sitaram Rijal and Armed Police SP Ramhari Adhikari.

DSP Basnyal stated that 6 people were injured in stone-pelting between the two sides on Saturday. According to him, the police resorted to a baton charge, fired 5 rounds in the air, and used 79 rounds of tear gas. During the clash, one Scorpio with an Indian number plate, one e-rickshaw, and five motorcycles were set on fire, while a dozen motorcycles were damaged.

It has been reported that the District Administration Office is preparing to hold an all-party meeting shortly today, Sunday.