What is behind the communal clashes in Nepal?
After days of silence and mounting criticism over his delayed response, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday (July 30, 2026) addressed the nation, urging
After days of silence and mounting criticism over his delayed response, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday (July 30, 2026) addressed the nation, urging calm and restraint as authorities reported another death following clashes that triggered unrest across the country’s southern plains. A curfew, initially imposed in Dewangunj Rural Municipality of Sunsari district, where the violence first erupted on Sunday, has since been extended to several districts, including Sarlahi, Dhanusha, Siraha and Saptari. The death toll since has risen to three. In his address, Mr. Shah said the government is treating the violence in Sunsari and other districts with the utmost seriousness. “I appeal to all citizens, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, and the media to exercise restraint and help preserve peace, social harmony, and national unity,” Mr. Shah said. “I urge everyone not to spread rumours, misinformation, or hate speech, and to rely only on official information.” Stating that the government would take strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt peace, security and social harmony, Mr. Shah said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practise their religion and that the government remains fully committed to protecting that right. The violence began on Sunday (July 26, 2026) night after a dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups over religious celebrations in Kaptangunj of Dewangunj, Sunsari district, in Koshi Province. The confrontation soon turned violent, prompting police intervention. The unrest has been concentrated in Nepal’s southeastern plains, where Madheshi communities form the majority and Muslims account for a significantly larger share of the population than the national average. Muslims make up around 5% of Nepal’s population but are concentrated across Madhesh Province and parts of Koshi Province, Nepal’s southern provinces bordering India.
The affected districts have long been home to Hindu and Muslim communities that have largely coexisted peacefully. The death of Omprakash Mehta, 31, in police firing triggered protests that spread to neighbouring districts in Madhesh Province over the following days. Police said Jayaprakash Mehta, 21, who had been injured during Sunday’s (July 26, 2026) violence, also died on Thursday (July 30, 2026). Later in the afternoon, Ganesh Yadav, 15, died during protests in Siraha. While security officials were criticised for failing to respond effectively, Prime Minister Shah initially relied on social media — his preferred mode of communication — to react to the unfolding crisis even as protests intensified. Protesters defied curfew orders in several places. At the recommendation of the Security Council, which convened on Thursday (July 30, 2026)morning to review the deteriorating security situation, Mr. Shah addressed the nation later in the day. Increasing polarisation Nepal Army personnel have been deployed in the affected districts as curfews remain in force. Although Nepal has largely maintained peaceful relations between religious communities, sporadic communal tensions have become more frequent in recent years. Incidents triggered by religious processions, social media posts or local disputes have occasionally escalated into violence, prompting curfews and heightened security. Observers expressed concern that the unrest could spread further and criticised Mr. Shah for delaying his first public address on the crisis — something he has generally avoided since taking office. He has addressed Parliament only once since being sworn in four months ago after his Rastriya Swatantra Party’s victory in the March elections, which were triggered by last September’s Gen Z protests in which 76 people, mostly young people, were killed.
The BriefWire