All-Party Meeting Held in Rautahat Amidst Curfew Following Communal Clashes

Rautahat. An all-party and multi-stakeholder meeting was held on Sunday in Gaur Municipality-6, Rautahat, in the Sabagadha area, to maintain peace, security, and social harmony in the district amidst the curfew imposed to prevent loss of life and property following escalating communal disputes.

The meeting, chaired by Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, decided to issue a public appeal to maintain a peaceful environment, initiate legal action against the culprits, and organize a harmony rally. The meeting expressed regret over the incident and urged all parties to remain restrained and maintain social-religious harmony.

The meeting also decided to organize a harmony rally led by civil society in Sabagadha at 7:30 AM on Monday to strengthen religious, social, and cultural harmony across the district. A decision was also made to strictly monitor and take necessary action against activities spreading rumors and inciting through social media.

The District Administration appealed to all citizens to exercise restraint, not follow rumors, and cooperate in maintaining peace.

The meeting, held at the assembly hall of the District Administration Office, Rautahat, was attended by the mayors of Paroha, Gaur, and Rajpur municipalities, the Assistant Chief District Officer, heads of security agencies, representatives of various political parties, and civil society leaders.

The meeting urged all parties to exercise restraint regarding the situation in the district and called for necessary support to the administration and security agencies.

The dispute in Sabagadha area began on Thursday night over playing music in front of a mosque by a wedding procession. As the dispute escalated, stones were pelted between the two communities, injuring dozens of people. As the situation began to go out of control, the District Administration Office issued a curfew order in the Gaur area starting from 1 PM on Friday.

Strict Security Arrangement

Following the incident, a heavy presence of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force has been mobilized in Gaur and surrounding areas. Movement has also been controlled by tightening the India-Nepal border. The administration stated that identification documents are mandatory at the border.

During the control of Saturday's clash, police resorted to baton charge, firing in the air, and tear gas shelling. Six people were injured in the clash, and some vehicles were set on fire and vandalized.

23 People Detained

The administration stated that 23 people, including Janmat Party District Chairman Sheikh Jamsaid, have been taken into custody on charges of disrupting communal harmony. Jamsaid is being interrogated, and further action will be taken based on evidence.

In this context, Gaur Municipality-6 Ward Chairman Abadhbihari Sah has also been taken into custody.