SUNSARI, Nepal – Police in Sunsari have resorted to force to control escalating protests in the Harinagar area, which have been ongoing for three days. On Sunday afternoon, police fired 12 rounds of aerial fire and 29 rounds of tear gas as demonstrators threw stones and attacked security personnel.
The violence resulted in injuries to Deputy Superintendent of Police Nabin Krishna Bhandari and nine others. Protestors reportedly assaulted two plainclothes officers, attempting to steal their weapons. Although a pistol was briefly taken, police managed to recover it. Demonstrators are also accused of vandalizing a house in Harinagar Bazar.
Sunsari’s Chief District Officer, Jainarayan Acharya, has tightened security measures in response to rising tensions. Curfews have been imposed across Harinagar Rural Municipality and specific wards in Dewanganj. Partial curfews are in effect in other municipalities.
The protests erupted last Thursday following the fatal beating of a local youth, leading to concerns about social disharmony. Curfews were implemented initially to protect public safety and prevent further clashes.
