Nepal Eases Curfews After Communal Violence Kills Three

The Government of Nepal began easing curfews and security restrictions on August 1 and 2, 2026, following nearly a week of communal violence in the southern plains. The unrest began on July 26 in the Sunsari district of Koshi province, triggered by disputes over religious flags and the use of loudspeakers during community celebrations. The resulting clashes and police firing left three people dead—two in Sunsari and one in Siraha—and dozens injured.

Local administrations gradually lifted curfews in Lahan, Siraha, and parts of Sunsari, including Itahari and Inaruwa. However, restrictions remained tighter in other areas; the curfew in Golbajar was maintained, and prohibitory orders continued in Saptari and Parsa, including nighttime assembly bans in Birgunj Metropolitan City. In Janakpur, officials banned gatherings of more than five people, processions, and demonstrations.

To stabilize the region, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung facilitated a 13-point agreement between the government and a religious group in Janakpurdham to maintain harmony and cancel protests. Meanwhile, the Bihar Police in India's Madhubani district intensified surveillance and vehicle checks along the border to prevent the violence from spilling across the frontier.