Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has appealed for calm after clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in the country's south left three people dead. This was Shah's first major nationally televised address since taking office in March, following a long period of rare public appearances.
According to local officials, the violence began on Sunday in a village in Sunsari district, near the Indian border, after a dispute broke out between some Hindus and Muslims over loud music and the display of religious flags during a Hindu procession. Police fired shots to disperse a crowd, killing two men. A third man died on Thursday during a protest in the neighboring Siraha district, despite a curfew being in effect.
Authorities have imposed curfews across Sunsari and adjacent districts to prevent further clashes.
In his address, Prime Minister Shah said, “On behalf of the government, I sincerely appeal to the people, civil society, religious communities, all respected leaders, all political parties, and the responsible media to be patient, exercise restraint, and maintain peace, solidarity, and national unity.”
He pledged to conduct a “fully fair and transparent” investigation and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said security forces are working to restore order. “We have placed all police officers at the scene on alert and are trying to protect public property and prevent any conflict situation with the minimal use of force,” Kafle told AFP.
Hindus make up about 80% of Nepal's population, but the southern region has a significant Muslim community.
