An indefinite curfew remained in force for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday in parts of Nepal's India-bordering Sunsari district after communal violence claimed one life and injured several others, even as authorities said the security situation was gradually improving.
The district administration has extended the curfew, first imposed on Monday, to ten areas, including the East-West Highway, and said the restrictions will remain in place until further notice to prevent further unrest.
"The security situation in the district is gradually improving," Assistant Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Poshan Lamichhane, said.
Under the curfew, the movement of people, gatherings, demonstrations, public meetings and sit-ins have been strictly prohibited. Security has also been tightened in sensitive areas and around government offices.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has convened a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday to review the country's security situation, with a particular focus on the developments in Sunsari district.
The violence erupted after a dispute during celebrations by two religious communities escalated into clashes. One person was killed and more than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured when police opened fire to disperse the rival groups.