The curfew imposed in the Dewanganj area of Sunsari was lifted from 7am on Tuesday. However, restrictions remain in place across Dewanganj Rural Municipality and Harinagar Rural Municipality, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people at a single location between 7am and 7pm.

The curfew had been imposed following a communal clash in Sunsari’s Dewanganj Rural Municipality on Sunday night, in which one person was killed, and nine others were injured in security force firing.

In an order issued by the District Administration Office, Ishwari Prasad Aryal, chief district officer of Sunsari, said the curfew was lifted as the security situation was gradually returning to normal and authorities sought to ease restrictions on daily life.

Aryal said further decisions would be taken after assessing the situation once the restriction order expires.

The administration warned that anyone violating the order would face legal action under the Local Administration Act, 1971. Aryal, who assumed charge as Sunsari chief district officer on Monday night, said authorities were actively coordinating with security agencies to maintain peace and social harmony in the affected areas.

The administration said the situation in areas affected by the violence has been gradually improving. Leaders from the two local communities and residents have also been making efforts to restore social harmony, it said.

However, security personnel from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and other security agencies remain heavily deployed in sensitive areas, including Harinagar, Dewanganj, Kaptanganj, Inaruwa and surrounding areas, to prevent possible untoward incidents.

The District Administration Office has urged residents not to believe rumours, maintain social harmony and fully comply with the restrictions.