The local administration reimposed a curfew in Barahathawa of Sarlahi district after protests escalated again on Sunday over the demand for hospital and compensation.

Sarlahi Chief District Officer Komal Prasad Dhamala in a notice said the curfew has been imposed in the Barahathawa market area from 12:45pm on Sunday till 8am on Monday in view of the possible risks of vandalism of public and private property, disruption in law and order, arson, and riots.

Barahathawa, a marketplace in Sarlahi district, has remained tense for the past few days. Tension ran high on Friday after Jaya Shankar Sah, aged 29, died during a violent clash between police and protesters. A curfew order was enforced following the death.

On Saturday, the district administration office imposed a 24-hour prohibitory order in the market area after the protest continued on the second day as well.

Barahathawa Municipality’s decision to upgrade a 15-bed municipal hospital triggered the violent protest on Friday.

The municipality’s executive committee meeting on September 26, 2023, decided to upgrade the municipal hospital to a 50-bed health institution and hand it over to the provincial government of Madhesh. However, the municipality backtracked its decision on January 2, which sparked the protests.