SUNSARI: Five days after two people were killed in police firing during clashes between two communities in Devanganj, Sunsari, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung visited the district on Thursday, where he met the families of the deceased and injured despite protests and anti-government slogans.
Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta accompanied the Home Minister during the visit.
The violence began on Sunday night when Armed Police Force (APF) personnel opened fire during clashes in Devanganj, killing Om Prakash Mehta. Another victim, Jay Prakash Mehta, who had been critically injured in the shooting, succumbed to his injuries during treatment on Thursday, four days after the incident.
Following Jay Prakash Mehta’s death, Home Minister Gurung arrived in Sunsari via Biratnagar Airport at around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday before proceeding to the incident site.
The minister first received a one-hour security briefing at Biratnagar Airport from senior security officials, who informed him that while the security situation in Sunsari had gradually improved since Wednesday, challenges remained.
“We briefed the Home Minister on developments since the day of the incident and the strategy adopted to contain the violence that followed the shooting,” a security official said.
After the briefing, Gurung visited hospitals where those injured in the violence are receiving treatment. However, protesters gathered outside, chanting slogans against the minister and demanding his resignation.
With the assistance of security personnel, the minister entered Birat Nursing Home at around 8:30 p.m., where he met the injured and their family members.
During the meeting, Gurung assured them that the government would bear responsibility for providing necessary medical treatment and pledged that those responsible for the incident would face legal action. He also urged the victims’ families to remain patient while the investigation is completed.
The Home Minister later visited the Neuro Hospital, where access was made difficult by large crowds of protesters demanding the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu state.
Amid the demonstrations, family members of the injured demanded that the government cover all medical expenses and ensure strict action against those responsible for the shooting.
Violence spread across Devanganj and surrounding areas following Sunday’s clashes, prompting growing public criticism of the government’s response. Local residents had been demanding the Home Minister’s presence in the affected area, leading to his visit to meet the victims’ families and hold discussions with local stakeholders.
Government reaches relief agreement with victims’ families
Late Thursday night, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the families of the two deceased victims-Om Prakash Mehta and Jay Prakash Mehta-signed a six-point agreement.
Under the agreement, the government will provide NPR 1 million in compensation to each bereaved family. The agreement also includes commitments to initiate legal action against those found responsible, ensure a fair investigation into the incident, and provide additional support measures for the victims’ families.
