Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday appealed for peace and communal harmony after communal violence in the country's border districts claimed three lives. As tensions spread to more areas, the government expanded curfew restrictions and increased the deployment of security forces. In a televised address, Shah assured the public that the government would conduct a neutral and transparent investigation into the violence and take strict action against those found responsible.

The unrest started in Sunsari district of Koshi province and later spread to parts of neighbouring Madhesh province. In response, the government imposed curfews, issued prohibitory orders and strengthened security arrangements. It also launched political and administrative efforts to restore normalcy and prevent the violence from spreading further.

The violence first erupted on Sunday night in the Kaptangunj area of Devganj Rural Municipality in Sunsari district. Members of two communities were organising separate programmes when an argument broke out over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags. The dispute soon turned violent. On Thursday, the unrest reached Golbazar market in Siraha district of Madhesh province, where a teenager lost his life during the clashes. Officials also confirmed that another person who had suffered injuries in the Sunsari violence died in Koshi province. The incidents raised the death toll to three.

Authorities continued to tighten restrictions as the situation remained sensitive. An indefinite curfew came into effect in parts of Dhanusa, Siraha and Birgunj districts of Madhesh province on Thursday. The curfew imposed in Sunsari district on Monday also remained in force. Officials said these measures aimed to prevent further violence and maintain law and order in the affected areas.

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Shah said the government was monitoring the incidents in Sunsari's Devganj and parts of Siraha with the "utmost seriousness and sensitivity". He directed health authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for all those injured in the clashes. Shah also announced that the Home Ministry had formed an investigation committee. He assured the public that the inquiry would remain impartial and transparent. He added that security forces had already been deployed to stop further violence and restore normal life in the affected districts.

The Prime Minister also shared details of the government's response to the crisis. He said the Home Minister had travelled to the affected districts to assess the security situation and oversee relief efforts. He added that the National Security Council had reviewed the developments and taken necessary decisions to deal with the unrest. Shah also informed that an all-party meeting had taken place in Kathmandu and dialogue with different groups was continuing to reduce tensions and encourage peace.

During his address, Shah appealed to the public to act responsibly. He urged people not to spread rumours, misinformation or hate speech through social media or any other platform. The government believes such content can increase tensions and disturb public order during a sensitive period.

The violence also prompted precautionary measures in other parts of Madhesh province. The District Administration Office of Parsa issued prohibitory orders in parts of Birgunj Metropolitan City after demonstrations took place in response to the violence in Sunsari. The restrictions covered the area between Pratima Chowk in the east, Tilabe Bridge in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north and Shankaracharya Gate in the south of Birgunj, which shares a border with Raxaul in Bihar, India.

Under these orders, authorities banned gatherings of five or more people. They also prohibited demonstrations, sit-ins, public meetings and other similar activities. Officials said the restrictions would remain in force from 5 pm on Thursday until 6 am on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, authorities had also imposed an indefinite curfew in several parts of Dhanusa district. The restrictions covered Laxminia Hatbazaar, Belauni Road, Nagarain Municipality, Dudhmati Bridge and Janakpur. Assistant Chief District Officer of Dhanusha Bhudev Jha said the curfew started at 3.30 pm as a precautionary measure following communal tensions in the region.

In Sunsari district, Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane said the security situation was gradually improving. However, the district administration decided to extend the curfew to 10 areas, including the East-West Highway, to maintain control over the situation and prevent fresh incidents.

The issue also reached Nepal's Parliament on Thursday. Several lawmakers, including Basna Thapa of the Nepali Congress and Oren Rai of the Shram Sanskriti Party, raised concerns over the rising communal tension in southern districts, including Sunsari. They called attention to the growing unrest and stressed the need for timely action to restore peace.

President Ramchandra Paudel also expressed deep concern over the violence and appealed for unity across the country. In his statement, he said, "Goodwill, reconciliation and brotherhood are the unique features of the identity and tradition of the Nepalese people, in a country characterised by a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-racial society,". He also called on the agencies concerned to take stern action against the culprits through a neutral and factual investigation.

The Nepal government has responded to the crisis through curfews, stronger security deployment, political dialogue and an official inquiry. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to restore peace in Sunsari, Madhesh and other affected areas. The government has also assured the public that it will take every necessary step to maintain law and order and ensure accountability for the violence.