The Sunsari administration has lifted the curfew imposed in 10 local units of the district and introduced a prohibitory order instead.

According to an order issued by Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal on Saturday, the curfew was lifted from 8:30 am on Saturday, while the prohibitory order will remain in effect until 5 pm.

The curfew had been imposed from 9 pm on July 28 under Section 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 1971, following violent clashes in Dewanganj. The district administration said it decided to lift the curfew after reviewing the security situation but introduced the prohibitory order to prevent any possible untoward incidents.

According to the District Administration Office, the prohibitory order has been issued under Section 6, Sub-section 3(A) of the Local Administration Act, 1971.

During the period of the prohibitory order, gatherings of more than five people, processions, demonstrations, assemblies, meetings and sit-ins will be prohibited in the designated areas.

The restrictions will apply to areas within 200 metres on both sides of the Mahendra Highway in wards 16 and 17 of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, and wards 1 and 5 of Ramdhuni Municipality.

The order will also cover Inaruwa Municipality, Duhabi Municipality, Bhokraha Narsingha Rural Municipality, Koshi Rural Municipality, Gadhi Rural Municipality, Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Harinagar Rural Municipality and Barju Rural Municipality.

The administration has urged residents to fully comply with the order to maintain peace, public order and communal harmony. It warned that anyone violating the order would face action under prevailing laws.