KATHMANDU: Sunsari Chief District Officer (CDO) Ishwori Prasad Aryal has said the administration has refrained from using force despite escalating tensions following the violence in Kaptanganj of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3.
The unrest, which began after a clash between two communities on Sunday night, has spread from Dewanganj to the district headquarters of Inaruwa and areas along the East-West Highway.
Local residents reported incidents of vandalism, arson and assaults in the Koshi embankment area on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after assuming office on Tuesday, Aryal said the administration’s top priority was to prevent any further loss of life.
“Our objective is to ensure that no one is injured or killed. Our focus is on preventing any further casualties,” he said.
Aryal said personnel from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Army have been deployed in affected areas to maintain security.
He added that although the curfew had been briefly relaxed in the morning, it was reimposed from the afternoon in areas along the East-West Highway as tensions persisted.
“People have come out in crowds and small groups in many places, but we have not used force against them,” Aryal said. “So far, we are not in favour of using force. We are trying to bring the situation under control through public announcements and other peaceful measures wherever possible.”
The CDO said the administration was holding continuous discussions with community leaders and other stakeholders from both sides, urging everyone to exercise restraint and help restore communal harmony.
“I have been talking to representatives of both communities. At a time like this, we need unity and brotherhood. I have appealed to everyone to remain calm, restore normalcy and avoid creating further conflict,” he said.
Aryal also urged the public not to misuse social media and said local government leaders in the affected municipalities had been asked to play an active role in maintaining peace and stability.
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