July 28, Biratnagar
A protest group opposing the recent incident in Kaptanganj, Ward No. 3 of Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari, has once again blocked the East–West Highway on Tuesday.
Protesters burned tires and blocked traffic at several locations along the Sunsari section of the highway. Demonstrations are also taking place in Biratnagar, where groups of young people have gathered in market areas to protest against the government.
According to DSP Chandra Bahadur Khadka, spokesperson for the Sunsari District Police Office, there are roadblocks at multiple points between Pakali and the Koshi Barrage. He said crowds have gathered at major intersections, staging demonstrations.
As the protests intensified, the local administration stopped vehicles traveling west from Itahari. Meanwhile, the situation in Dewanganj itself is gradually returning to normal.
The unrest began after a clash between two groups in Kaptanganj on Sunday. During efforts to control the violence, police opened fire, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to nine others.
Following the incident, the local administration imposed a curfew in five locations in the southern part of the district to restore order. Despite the curfew, protesters continued demonstrating throughout Monday. The curfew remains in effect on Tuesday.
According to a notice issued by Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal, a prohibitory order is in force from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday across the entire areas of Dewanganj Rural Municipality and Harinagar Rural Municipality.
A full curfew remains in place in the market areas of Harinagara, Bhutaha, Kaptanganj, Ghuski, and Dewanganj.
The curfew boundaries are as follows:
- Harinagara Market: From Nuniya Tol in the east to West Khuniya Dhar in the west, from the Harinagar Rural Municipality Office in the north to Basantpur Junction in the south.
- Bhutaha Market: From Moriya Dhar in the east to Idgaha Field in the west, from the Sunsari River in the north to the Harinagar Rural Municipality Office in the south.
- Kaptanganj Market: From Yadav Tol in the east to Panchau Simal Secondary School in the west, from Krishna Secondary School in the north to the Nepal–India border in the south.
- Ghuski Market: From Kasamiya Madrasa in the east to the Ghuski Police Post in the west, from Isha Hardware in the north to Hilal Public School in the south.
- Dewanganj Market: From Musahar Tol on the road to Biratnagar in the east to the Moriya River in the west, extending north to the Chiura (beaten rice) Mill.
The administration has urged the public not to organize or participate in any gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, or other activities that could disrupt peace, security, or public order within the curfew areas.
