The District Administration Office in Parsa has reimposed a curfew in the main urban areas of Birgunj Metropolitan City, citing the need to maintain public order.

According to an order issued on Friday by Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal following a decision of the District Security Committee, the curfew came into effect at 5 pm on Friday and will remain in force until 6 am on Saturday.

The order also prohibits assemblies of more than five people, rallies, demonstrations and other public gatherings within the designated areas.

The restricted zone extends from Pratima Chowk and the Buspark Bypass Road in the east to Tilawe Bridge in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north and Shankaracharya Gate in the south.

Officials said the measure was introduced as a precaution following heightened tensions linked to recent unrest in Sunsari district. A curfew had also been imposed on Thursday evening, but some people gathered and staged protests in Birgunj's main market area.

Brief tensions were reported on Friday after a harmony rally organised by the district administration and representatives of political parties concluded. A group of youths gathered near Ghantaghar, burnt tyres and chanted slogans against Birgunj acting Mayor Imtiyaz Alam and House of Representatives member Rahabar Ansari.

The harmony rally followed an all-party meeting convened by the District Administration Office. It was attended by Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal, acting Mayor Imtiyaz Alam, House of Representatives member Sushil Sah Kanu, and representatives of political parties, local governments and other stakeholders.