Sunsari returns to normal after Dewanganj communal incident, preparations for cremation of the deceased

SUNSARI:- Six days after the communal incident in Dewanganj, Sunsari, the situation in the district is gradually returning to normal. Home Minister Sudan Kirati visited the site, met with the families of the deceased and local stakeholders, and—following discussions—reached a six-point agreement with the families on Friday morning, resulting in an agreement to call off the protests.

The law and order situation in the district has improved. Security has been strengthened following a six-point agreement reached this morning between the families of Omprakash Mehta and Jayaprakash Mehta—who lost their lives in the incident on Shrawan 10—and Home Minister Gurung, representing the Government of Nepal.

Under the agreement, the government has pledged to initiate the process of declaring the two deceased individuals as martyrs. It also stipulates that the Government of Nepal will provide relief of one million rupees to each of the victims’ families.

It is stated that a fair, effective, and fact-based investigation into the incident will be conducted, and the process for taking necessary action against the guilty in accordance with prevailing laws will be immediately initiated. Additionally, James Karki, Chief Personal Secretary to Home Minister Gurung, informed that an agreement has been reached to immediately launch an investigation into the legal status and related matters of the madrasa located in Dewanganj-3, which is linked to the incident.

Similarly, the agreement includes provisions to provide employment opportunities to one eligible family member of each deceased person, to implement—in accordance with the law—the suggestions and recommendations from the report to be submitted by the investigation committee formed to study the incident, and to construct a memorial park at a suitable location within the rural municipality in coordination with the local government to honor the memory of the deceased.

The government has pledged to implement the points outlined in the released agreement in a phased manner. Following the agreement, the affected families have expressed confidence that the government’s commitments will be fulfilled in a timely manner.

It is expected that the formal agreement reached with the affected families after the Dewanganj incident will lay a crucial foundation for advancing the judicial process, providing relief to the victims, and restoring social harmony and trust in the affected area.

Following the arrival of a team led by Home Minister Gurung at the scene—and subsequent meetings, discussions, and a bilateral agreement involving the victims’ side, leaders of the protesting group, and local representatives—the victim’s family, local residents, and the protesting group in the Dewanganj area are now preparing to conduct the funeral procession and cremation.

Following the agreement reached in Dewanganj, security arrangements have been strengthened in other affected areas of the district as well; continuous coordination among the local administration, security agencies, and various stakeholders is fostering an environment conducive to the restoration of peace and harmony in these areas.

The local administration has extended the curfew in sensitive areas through Friday and tightened security by deploying a large number of security personnel.

The local administration has continued the curfew order while tightening security arrangements in sensitive areas, including Dewanganj, Harinagar, Ghuski, Kaptan-ganj, Laukahi, and Bhantabari.

An all-party meeting held at the District Administration Office—facilitated through the active coordination of Sunsari’s Chief District Officer Ishwar Prasad Aryal and Chief Secretary Karki—resulted in an agreement covering issues such as peace, social harmony, adherence to the rule of law, and the control of rumors.