Three people have died in violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in Nepal’s southern Sunsari district, near the Indian border. The unrest began on Sunday, July 27, 2026, after a dispute over loud music and religious flags during a Hindu procession, officials reported.
In response to the violence, police opened fire to disperse the crowd, killing two men, according to police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who has rarely appeared in public since assuming office in March 2026, broke his silence on Thursday, July 31, 2026, with his first major address to the nation. He called for calm and urged citizens to act responsibly to help “remove the clouds of unrest.”
“I, on behalf of the government, sincerely appeal to the citizens, civil society, religious communities, all respected leaders, all political parties and responsible media, to exercise patience and restraint and maintain peace, harmony, brotherhood and national unity,” Shah said.
Authorities have enforced curfews and pledged to restore peace and unity amid ongoing tensions.
Additional Context
- Balendra Shah, also known as Balen Shah, is Nepal’s rapper-turned-politician now facing the challenge of managing the country’s unrest.
- Supporters of the Cockroach People’s Party have held protests in New Delhi, reflecting regional political dynamics.
Sources
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