Three killed in Hindu-Muslim clashes in Nepal, tension rising

Three people have been killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims in southern Nepal. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged everyone to remain calm following the incident. Local media The Kathmandu Post reported on Friday that communal tensions have spread to several more districts.

According to an AFP report, the clashes began on Sunday night during a Hindu procession in a village in Sunsari district, bordering India. An argument broke out between the two communities over loud music and the use of religious flags, which later escalated into clashes. Police opened fire to bring the situation under control.

Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said two people were initially killed in the clashes. Authorities then imposed a curfew in Sunsari and surrounding districts to avoid further clashes. A third person was killed in Siraha district during protests on Thursday while the curfew was in force.

Following the third death, Prime Minister Balendra Shah issued a video message on Thursday, appealing for calm. He said, "On behalf of the government, I call upon citizens, civil society, religious communities, political parties and responsible media to exercise patience and restraint."

Shah said, "I promise that the investigation into the incident will be completely fair and transparent. Whoever is responsible will be brought to justice."

The Kathmandu Post reported that authorities have imposed a curfew in Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha and Dhanusha districts since Thursday night. Restrictions have also been imposed in Parsa district as the violence has spread from Sunsari. A large number of police and army personnel have been deployed to control the unrest.