Curfews tighten in Nepal following deadly communal clashes

The violence ignited during a Hindu event in Diwanganj, where a dispute over loud music and religious flags escalated into a violent clash between Hindu and Muslim groups. The initial confrontation left 25 people injured and two men dead from gunshot wounds. Despite a relative lull in fighting on Friday, police maintain strict curfews to prevent further outbreaks of hostility.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah promised a transparent, impartial investigation into the killings, urging citizens to move past the current turbulence. In a gesture of reconciliation, Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited the families of the victims in Sunsari, pledging government relief payments of approximately $6,660 to each family. Gurung is scheduled to visit the Siraha district to meet with the relatives of the third victim as the government attempts to stabilize the region.