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Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the nation on July 30, 2026, urging calm and restraint as authorities reported a third death from communal clashes that have spread across the country's southern plains. The violence, which began on July 26, has prompted curfews in several districts and the deployment of the Nepal Army, according to The Hindu.

Coverage Comparison

The Hindu reported that the death toll has risen to three since clashes erupted in Sunsari district on July 26, 2026. The initial curfew, imposed in Dewangunj Rural Municipality of Sunsari, has been extended to Sarlahi, Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari districts. A separate report from The Hindu noted that an indefinite curfew was imposed in parts of Saptari district on July 31, 2026, after protests broke out in reaction to the violence in neighbouring Sunsari. The newspaper also reported that a police constable was shot by an unidentified assailant in Lahan municipality of Siraha district, although this incident was not directly linked to the communal clashes.

Both reports attribute the violence to a dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups, with The Hindu's first report noting underlying social and political factors. The second report focuses on the communal nature of the clashes without delving into underlying factors.

Key Claims

  • Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the nation on July 30, 2026, appealing for calm and restraint, and promising strict action against those disrupting peace.
  • Three deaths have been reported due to the clashes in Nepal's southern plains.
  • Curfews have been imposed in parts of Sunsari, Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari districts.
  • The violence began on July 26, 2026, over a dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups in Kaptangunj, Sunsari district, in Koshi Province.
  • The government has deployed Nepal Army personnel in the affected districts.
  • A police constable was shot by an unidentified assailant in Lahan municipality of Siraha district.
  • The District Security Committee in Sarlahi has made it mandatory for people entering Nepal to carry valid identity documents.

Perspectives

Government

The government, through Prime Minister Shah, views the violence as a serious threat to peace and social harmony. In his address, he appealed to all citizens, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, and the media to exercise restraint, and stated that the government would take strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt peace. He also emphasized that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practise their religion, and that the government is committed to protecting that right.