Home Minister Gurung Opens Talks in Janakpur to Ease Tensions in Madhes

Dragon Media Correspondent

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung began talks with protesting groups in Janakpur, Dhanusha, on Saturday as part of government efforts to normalize the tense situation in several districts of Madhes Province.

Gurung held discussions with representatives of the Hindu Samrat Sena and other groups involved in the protests. The talks are reportedly focused on restoring law and order, creating conditions for lifting prohibitory orders and reducing tensions between communities.

The unrest began after two young men were killed in a clash between two communities in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality–3 of Sunsari, on Shrawan 10. Protests over the incident subsequently spread to several districts of Madhes Province, prompting local administrations to impose curfews and prohibitory orders in sensitive areas.

During the unrest, a dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities in Siraha escalated, and another teenager was killed when police opened fire while attempting to bring the situation under control. Incidents of protest, vandalism and road blockades were later reported in different parts of Madhes.

Local administrations have lifted curfews in some districts after assessing that the situation has gradually improved. However, prohibitory orders have not yet been fully withdrawn because of continuing security concerns.

The government is seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue with the protesting groups while working to restore social harmony in the affected areas.