SUNSARI: The situation in Sunsari remained calm on Tuesday morning after violent clashes between two groups in Devanganj on Sunday night and the subsequent imposition of an indefinite curfew by the District Administration Office.

Although clashes and vandalism continued late into the night, protests had ceased by morning. The deployment of the Nepal Army on patrol across southern parts of the district, alongside the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, has helped restore order.

Security forces have taken control of the affected areas following a day of unrest on Monday, during which several locations across Sunsari witnessed clashes. The violence resulted in arson, vandalism, and damage to private property, although authorities have yet to release an official assessment of the losses.

Officials said two groups clashed in the Devanganj area overnight, but the full extent of the physical damage and property destruction has not yet been confirmed.

Police have also urged the public not to believe or share misleading images circulating on social media that falsely claim to show victims of attacks with sharp weapons, warning that such misinformation could further inflame tensions.

A heavy security presence has been deployed across major market areas and rural communities since early morning as the curfew remains in effect.

The curfew was imposed on the recommendation of the District Security Committee under Section 6(a) of Nepal’s Local Administration Act, 2028 (1971), to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Chief District Officer Ishwori Prasad Aryal said the curfew prohibits all movement, public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, and sit-ins within the designated areas until further notice.

The restrictions cover Wards 16 and 17 of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City, Wards 1 and 5 of Ramdhuni Municipality, as well as the entire areas of Inaruwa, Duhabi, Bhokraha Narsingh, Koshi, Gadhi, Devanganj, Harinagar, and Barju rural municipalities.