Nepal imposes curfew in Rautahat after religious clashes erupt

A tense border town just went under curfew as wedding music spiraled into street clashes and fears of religious fallout in Nepal.

Curfew imposed in Gaur

• District Administration Office Rautahat enforced restrictions from 1 pm Saturday.
• The order covers key points from Mudbalwa Gate to Gaur Customs Office.
• All movement, gatherings, and processions are temporarily banned.
• Authorities cited the risk of religious escalation.

How the clashes erupted

• Dinesh Sagar Bhusal linked violence to a wedding procession.
• Loud music reportedly disrupted Ramadan prayers at a mosque.
• Objections from Muslim worshippers triggered stone throwing.
• Both groups clashed on Thursday evening.

Tensions flare despite the agreement

• A Friday evening peace deal briefly calmed tempers.
• Saturday morning saw a vehicle torched in Gaur.
• That incident pushed officials to tighten restrictions.
• Security forces moved quickly to contain unrest.

Security and election concerns

• Nepal Police and Armed Police Force units were deployed.
• Sensitive areas in Rautahat now face heavy monitoring.
• Bhusal said the situation is under control after curfew.
• Authorities remain alert ahead of the March 5 general elections.