RAUTAHAT, Feb 19: While the nation commemorates Democracy Day, curfew remains in effect for the third day in a row in various areas of a municipality in Rautahat. Curfew continues in most wards of  Ishnath Municipality in Rautahat.

The District Administration Office (DAO) Rautahat imposed curfew in two wards from Saturday evening and extended it to six wards on Sunday afternoon. DAO Rautahat has informed Republica that the curfew has been extended as the tension has not subsided even though there is a large presence of security personnel.

Curfew has been imposed in Wards No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Ishnath Municipality. A controversy arose when the Saraswati idol was not allowed to be taken through the procession route for desecration after Puja. Following clashes, Ishnath has remained tense for nearly a week.

To ensure peace and order at the scene, 700 policemen, including Madhesh Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Yagya Binod Pokharel and Armed Police Madhes Chief DIG Dipendra Shah, have been deployed. Sanjay Yadav, head of the National Investigation Department's Madhesh province, is also present at the scene.

DAO Rautahat is going to take initiatives to solve the problem. An all-party meeting has been called at the DAO, Rautahat. Chief District Officer Hiralal Regmi stated that an all-party meeting will convene shortly to deliberate on resolving the Saraswati idol desecration issue and maintaining peace and harmony.

 
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