The administrative headquarters of Rautahat district, Gaur, remains tense following violent communal clashes that erupted in the run of the House of Representatives elections. Local authorities have clamped an indefinite curfew starting Saturday afternoon to prevent further escalation of violence.
The unrest began on Friday night (February 20) in Sabgadha, Gaur Municipality-6. Conflict broke out when a wedding procession from Sarmujawa, Bauddhimai Municipality-9, was passing near a local mosque. Members of the Muslim community reportedly objected to the wedding band music being played near the religious site, leading to a physical confrontation with the Hindu wedding party.
The initial clash left six individuals injured, including Sadiya Khatun (45), Bhagyanarayan Sah (41), Ravi Sah (20), Dharamveer Sah (20), Kirit Sah (40), Gajendra Sah (42).
Although local administration facilitated a 6-point agreement between the two groups on Friday evening to maintain harmony for the upcoming elections on March 5, the peace was short-lived.
On Saturday morning, tensions spiked again after police detained several individuals for questioning. A mob of approximately 400–500 people gathered, leading to renewed stone-pelting and arson. To regain control, security forces—led by Nepal Police SP Sitaram Rijal and Armed Police Force SP Ramhari Adhikari—fired dozens of warning shots in the air and 40 rounds of tear gas.
The violence resulted in 8 additional people injured, including two police officers. Similarly, vandalism of religious sites and the torching of 5 motorcycles, 2 scooters, 1 Scorpio SUV, and an e-rickshaw. A total of 23 individuals have been detained, including Sheikh Jamshed (Janamat Party leader) and Awadh Bihari Teli (Ward Chairman of Gaur-6), on charges of inciting riots.
Rautahat has seen a recurring pattern of communal friction over religious processions and local disputes.
Earlier, on January 26, clashes had occurred in Paroha Municipality during Saraswati idol immersion. Likewise, on February 26, riots had erupted in Ishnath Municipality over music played during religious ceremonies, leading to a previous curfew.
Root causes and administrative response
Officials point to several factors fueling the unrest, including open border movements, intense political competition, and the rapid spread of misinformation on social media.
"This is less about politics and more about the provocation by unruly elements within society," said Jitendra Yadav, Assistant Chief District Officer. "While the administration can deploy the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Army to maintain order, long-term peace depends on local leaders and civil society fostering dialogue and brotherhood."
Currently, a heavy security presence remains in Gaur to enforce the curfew. Authorities have warned that the restriction will remain in place until the situation is deemed fully stable.
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