Motihari: Life started returning to normal after an indefinite curfew imposed in Birgunj town of Nepal, adjacent to Bihar’s Raxaul town, was lifted on Tuesday. The markets of Birgunj, the largest second commercial city of Nepal, started buzzing with activities.Bhola Dahal, chief district officer (CDO), said the curfew has been lifted but processions and meetings will remain prohibited. The communication between Raxaul and Birgunj resumed and vehicles of tourists and other persons have been allowed to ply.He said a minor altercation between two youths over a personal matter sparked tensions between two different communities living in the same locality of town on Sunday evening. The Nepal police, Armed police and Nepal Army were deployed to control the clashes. On Monday, the administration imposed curfew throughout the area.Due to the violence and curfew in Birgunj town, the Raxaul police checkpost restricted movement of pedestrians, vehicles and cargo to enter Birgunj town. The Maitri bridge was closed and SSB jawans were on high alert. The Raxaul market looked deserted as no people came to Raxaul from the Nepal side. Tension also prevailed on the border.Raj Kumar Gupta, president of Raxaul Chamber of Commerce said the businessmen suffered losses worth crores after this incident.The Birgunj CDO said an all-party meeting was held at Birgunj on Monday evening in which members of all parties resolved to cooperate in restoring peace in the town.It may be recalled that the general election is scheduled on March 5 in Nepal, so the administration is on a high alert to maintain law and order.
