Normalcy Returns to Nepal's Birgunj After Curfew Lifted, Border Tensions Ease
Life began returning to normal in Birgunj, Nepal, on Tuesday after an indefinite curfew imposed in the town was lifted. Birgunj, the second-largest commercial city in Nepal, is adjacent to Bihar's Raxaul town, and its markets started buzzing with activities once again as restrictions were removed.
Curfew Lifted with Restrictions
Bhola Dahal, the chief district officer (CDO) of Birgunj, confirmed that the curfew has been lifted. However, he emphasized that processions and meetings will remain prohibited to prevent any further unrest. The communication between Raxaul and Birgunj has resumed, with vehicles for tourists and other individuals now allowed to ply freely across the border.
Origin of the Clashes
The tensions erupted on Sunday evening following a minor altercation between two youths over a personal matter. This incident sparked conflicts between two different communities living in the same locality of Birgunj. To control the situation, Nepal police, Armed Police, and the Nepal Army were deployed promptly. By Monday, the administration imposed a curfew throughout the area to restore order.
Impact on Border and Economy
Due to the violence and curfew in Birgunj, the Raxaul police checkpost restricted the movement of pedestrians, vehicles, and cargo entering Birgunj town. The Maitri bridge was closed, and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawans were placed on high alert. As a result, the Raxaul market appeared deserted, with no people coming from the Nepal side, leading to prevailing tension along the border.
Raj Kumar Gupta, president of the Raxaul Chamber of Commerce, reported that local businessmen suffered losses worth crores of rupees due to this incident, highlighting the economic impact of the unrest.
Efforts to Restore Peace
In response to the crisis, an all-party meeting was held in Birgunj on Monday evening. Members of all political parties resolved to cooperate in restoring peace in the town. This collaborative effort aims to prevent further disruptions and ensure stability in the region.
Election Context and Security Measures
It is important to note that Nepal's general election is scheduled for March 5. Consequently, the administration remains on high alert to maintain law and order, making the swift resolution of such incidents crucial for electoral security and public safety.
The lifting of the curfew marks a significant step towards normalcy, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any recurrence of violence.
