At least three people were killed during violent clashes in southern Nepal involving local Muslim and Hindu groups.
The communal protests began on Sunday night, according to officials from the affected areas.
Clashes first erupted in Nepal's Sunsari district following a dispute between two religious communities. In Sunsari, two groups holding separate events clashed after a verbal dispute over the display of religious flags and the use of loudspeakers.
During the unrest, mobs attacked each other and burned police posts, shopping malls, and government offices.
Police opened fire during the clashes, killing farmer Om Prakash Mehata. Another local, Jaya Prakash Mehata, died in a hospital on Thursday following injuries sustained from police firing.
A third death was reported in the Siraha district after a person was shot on Thursday. Siraha district administrator Chatraj Baral said Ganesh Yadav, a local from Aaurahi, died.
Security response and curfews
Curfews were imposed in most parts of southern Nepal, specifically in the Sunsari, Sarlahi, Parsa, and Janakpur districts.
Hundreds of security forces, including army personnel, were deployed to contain the violence.
Following the death of Om Prakash Mehata, Hindu groups staged protests in Sunsari and other Nepali districts.
Government reaction
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah called for calm and stated that the government treats the incidents in parts of Siraha and Sunsari's Dewanganj town with great seriousness.
The Prime Minister announced that the Interior Ministry formed an investigation commission to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation. He added that the government will hold those responsible accountable.
According to Prime Minister Shah, the Security Council evaluated the incidents and took necessary decisions, while the Interior Minister visited the affected regions to examine the situation.
Maintain social unity, communal harmony, friendship, and tolerance.
President Ramchandra Paudel urged everyone to exercise restraint for communal harmony.
Prime Minister Shah requested that the public avoid spreading misinformation and rumors on social media, warning that stern action will be taken against those aiming to incite incidents and disrupt public order.
Authorities have pledged to restore peace and unity.
Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the monarchy was abolished. Since 2008, the country largely avoided major religious tensions until the recent outbreak of violence.
In September last year, more than 70 people were killed in Nepal after police opened fire on protesters led by young people demanding an end to corruption and political change.
