KATHMANDU, Aug 1: Authorities on Saturday lifted the curfew imposed in Janakpur since Thursday, but prohibitory orders remain in force in several sensitive areas of Dhanusha district.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Prem Prasad Luitel said the curfew was lifted at 10 am following a decision of the District Security Committee. The curfew had been imposed under Section 6(A) of the Local Administration Act, 1971.
Although the curfew has been withdrawn, the District Administration Office has imposed prohibitory orders in designated areas until further notice under Section 6(3)(A) of the same Act. The order prohibits gatherings of more than five people, as well as public meetings, rallies and demonstrations.
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The restricted areas include Laxminiya Bazar in the north, Belouni Road and nearby areas in the east, Nagarain Municipality and Nagarain Chowk in the south, and Sinurjoda, Sohani, Manimandap, Nepal Nursery, ISKCON Janakpur, Dudhmati Bridge and Bela Kadari Mosque in the west.
The easing of the curfew came as a harmony rally led by CDO Luitel brought together leaders of the Hindu and Muslim communities, elected representatives and local officials in an effort to restore communal harmony after days of tension.
The rally began at Janakpur Railway Station and passed through different parts of the city. It was organized following a decision reached at an all-party meeting convened by the district administration on Friday.
However, some Hindu youths voiced dissatisfaction, alleging that they had not been invited to participate in the rally.
Tensions flared in Janakpur after Hindu organizations staged protests on Thursday over an incident in Kaptanganj, Sunsari. The district administration subsequently imposed a curfew on Thursday afternoon to maintain law and order.
The curfew had been partially relaxed from 5 am to 10 am on Saturday before being lifted completely at 10 am. Prohibitory orders, however, will remain in force in the designated areas until further notice.
