Nepal authorities extend curfew to Saptari as communal unrest spreads

Several towns in southeastern Nepal remained under curfew on Friday (July 31) as the region grappled with lingering tensions after days of sectarian violence that erupted and left at least three people dead, authorities said. Twenty-five people were injured in a late-night clash on Sunday (July 26) between Hindus and Muslims in Diwanganj, a town in Nepal's Sunsari district bordering India, with officials saying the violence was triggered by a dispute over loud music and religious flags during a Hindu event. Two men were shot and killed in Sunsari on Sunday and a third death was reported in neighbouring Siraha district on Thursday (July 30) as sporadic clashes continued in the area. Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said the incidents were under investigation.