Curfew Continues in Gaur Municipality Following Communal Clashes

A curfew imposed in Gaur, the district headquarters of Rautahat, since Saturday afternoon 1 PM remains in effect today. The curfew had been temporarily relaxed for two hours from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM for essential activities, but it has since been fully enforced, informed Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal.

According to Section 6(k) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS, the curfew covers the eastern Mudbalwa Gate, western Lalbakaiya Dam, northern Bam Canal, and southern Gaur Customs Office areas of Gaur Municipality. Police have arrested 23 people involved in clashes between two community groups. Both sides of the conflict were among those detained, according to the Rautahat District Police Office.

From the Muslim community, district coordinator Sheikh Jamshed of Janamat Party was arrested, along with others. On the Hindu side, Ward Chairperson Bihari Prasad Sah Teli and others were also detained. Despite a reconciliation discussion on Friday between both communities, clashes broke out early Saturday morning, prompting the administration to impose the curfew.

DSP Bishnu Pradeep Basyal stated that the situation is now under police control. The security situation in Gaur was discussed at the central security committee, which decided to dispatch Umaprasad Chaturvedi to assess peace and security across the Madhesh region.

The central security committee has urged both sides to maintain social and religious harmony and warned that anyone involved in illegal activities will face legal action. A multi-stakeholder meeting is currently underway at the District Administration Office to ensure peace in the area.