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Curfew was imposed in parts of Rautahat district of Madhesh province in southern Nepal following clashes between two groups heightened tensions on Saturday (February 21, 2026).
The clashes between the two communities were triggered by a dispute on Thursday (February 19, 2026) evening, followed by escalation of tension through Friday (February 20) and Saturday (February 21) morning with at least eight persons injured.
According to Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, “The curfew has been enforced in Gaur, the district headquarters, and other parts of the district from 1:00 p.m. Saturday (February 21) until further notice, as decided by the Rautahat District Security Committee.”
Under Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, the District Administration Office has prohibited the movement of people and the organising of gatherings, assemblies, rallies, and demonstrations within the curfew zone.
The incident occurred on Thursday (February 19) evening in the Sapgadha area of Gaur Municipality, where members of one community allegedly obstructed a wedding procession playing music in front of a mosque, leading to tensions that later escalated into violent clashes.
At least eight people, including two policemen, were injured in the incident. Earlier, the local authorities had deployed hundreds of riot police personnel in the tension area to prevent clashes.
Tensions flared after a vehicle was set on fire during the clashes, The Kathmandu Post said, adding that, although a six-point agreement was reached on Friday (February 20) evening between the two sides following earlier confrontations, stone-pelting resumed at around 9 a.m. on Saturday (February 21). It further aggravated the situation prompting the administration to impose curfew.
Published – February 21, 2026 04:33 pm IST
