Image used for representation purposes. file | Photo credit: Reuters
A curfew was imposed in parts of Rautahat district of southern Nepal’s Madhesh province following clashes between two groups that heightened tensions on Saturday (February 21, 2026).
Clashes erupted between the two factions following a dispute on Thursday (February 19, 2026) evening, after which at least eight people were injured as tensions escalated on Friday (February 20) and Saturday (February 21) morning.
According to Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, “Curfew has been enforced in Gaur, district headquarters and other parts of the district from 1:00 PM on Saturday (February 21) till further notice as decided by Rautahat District Security Committee.
According to Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, the district administrative office has prohibited public movement and holding meetings, gatherings, rallies and demonstrations within the curfew zone.
The incident took place on Thursday (February 19) evening in Sapgadha area of Gaur municipality, when a community member allegedly obstructed a wedding procession by playing music in front of a mosque, leading to tension that later led to violent clashes.
Eight people, including two policemen, were injured in the incident. Earlier, local authorities deployed hundreds of riot police personnel in the tense area to prevent clashes.
Tensions flared after a vehicle was set on fire during the clashes, and despite a six-point agreement between the two sides on Friday evening (February 20) following earlier clashes, stone pelting resumed at 9am on Saturday (February 21), according to the Kathmandu Post. This exacerbated the situation, prompting the administration to impose a curfew.
Published – February 21, 2026 04:33 pm IST
